Junior Boks Outmuscle New Zealand to Clinch World U20 Title : “It Was Grit Over Glamour”

• Junior Springboks crowned U20 world champions after 13-year wait, defeating New Zealand 23-15 in a tense final in Rovigo, Italy
• South Africa now holds all three major rugby world titles, senior (Springboks), junior (U20s), and sevens (Blitzboks), a rare and historic feat
• Briefly News had an exclusive interview with rugby fanatic Thabiso Mokoena, who applauded the Junior Boks for tactical discipline

The Junior Springboks are world champions again after grinding out a 23-15 win over New Zealand in the World Rugby U20 Championship final on Saturday night in Rovigo, Italy, breaking a 13-year drought and completing a golden trifecta for South African rugby.

Joining the senior Springboks and Blitzboks as reigning world champions, the SA U20S delivered a measured and mature performance defined by discipline, resilience, and well-timed execution.

Rugby fanatic and longtime supporter Thabiso Mokoena, who watched the final with a heart pounding out of his chest, shared his raw reaction with Briefly News in an exclusive fan perspective.

“This wasn’t flashy rugby, this was grown-man rugby from teenagers. It was grit over glamour. They did the hard yards, stayed composed, and kept New Zealand chasing shadows," Mokoena said.

How did the Boks do it?

The Junior Boks opened the scoring through flanker Xola Nyali, who crashed over from a powerful rolling maul. Flyhalf Vusi Moyo converted and went on to add three pressure penalties to stretch South Africa’s lead.

While the Baby Blacks showed glimpses of danger, including a first-half try from lock Jayden Sa, they never fully broke through the green wall.

The Junior All Blacks were hard done by red card

A 20-minute red card to New Zealand’s Sika Pole after a high tackle swung the momentum further toward the Junior Boks, who took full advantage. Although a try by Haashim Pead was disallowed and Moyo missed a drop goal, the South Africans never lost control.

Fullback Gilermo Mentoe’s try in the dying minutes sealed the result and triggered wild celebrations among players and fans.

“What I loved most was the calmness. There was no panic, no silly offloads, just smart rugby. We’ve often had talented juniors who cracked under pressure. This group? They were unshaken," added Mokoena.

Junior Boks make history

The last time South Africa won this tournament was in 2012, also against New Zealand. Thirteen years on, a new generation has etched their name into rugby folklore.

“These boys are future Springboks. They’ve got the badge, the bite, and the belief. We’re witnessing the beginning of something special," emphasized Mokoena.

On a humid Italian night, the Junior Boks reclaimed their throne, and with it, reignited the dream.

Why the Georgia match is special for two Boks

Briefly News previously reported on why the Springboks match against Georgia will be historic for two Boks players.

The game which ended in the favour of South Africa with a 55-10 victory was a special one for captain Siya Kolisi and lockman, Eben Etzebeth.

Source: Briefly News