South Africa’s Junior Springboks etched their names into history after winning the 2026 SANZAAR Under-20 Rugby Championship at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha. A gripping 29-29 draw against New Zealand was enough for the hosts to secure their maiden title and end the tournament unbeaten in front of an electrifying crowd of 18,138 supporters.
The Junior Boks only required a single log point to lift the trophy and achieved their target when Samuel Badenhorst scored their fourth try early in the second half. South Africa finished on 13 log points, comfortably ahead of New Zealand on eight.
Akahluwa Boqwana shone brightly with two tries, while Rambo Kubheka and Badenhorst also crossed the line. Yaqeen Ahmed contributed three conversions and a penalty goal in a polished display.
Despite leading 29-15 after halftime, the Junior Boks were pushed all the way as New Zealand mounted a courageous comeback to level the scores in a dramatic finale.
Earlier, Australia edged Argentina 32-30 in another thrilling encounter to secure third place with seven points, while Los Pumitas finished fourth despite upsetting New Zealand earlier in the tournament.
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| THE MATCH |
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