The Junior Boks went into their final group stage match against New Zealand at the top of their pool, needing to remain there to qualify for the semi-final. The structure of the tournament takes the leader of each of the three pools along with the next best performing team to compete in the semi-finals at the end of the group stages. 

Having picked up wins against Scotland and Georgia, South Africa needed only avoid defeat to qualify for the semi-finals. 

Two first half tries saw the Junior Boks come out the blocks firing. The team also capitalized on lapses in discipline shown by New Zealand, taking a narrow 16-8 lead into the half time break. 

South Africa's discipline almost let them down when the team were given three yellow cards, but, Buthelezi and his troopers weathered the New Zealand storm, kicking another 2 penalties in the second half to take their score up to 22. New Zealand substitute, Lalomilo Lalomilo, scored in the final 6 minutes but the fight back would not be enough as the Junior Boks kicked a third second half penalty to take their score up to 25. The Junio Boks held onto their 25-17 lead to win the match and take them straight into the semi-finals. 

New Zealand missed out on a semi-final place when they failed to get a bonus point out of the game. The leaders of the other 2 pools, Argentina and Australia both qualified for the semi-finals, with France making up the last of four places in the semi-finals. 

The Semi-finals will be played on Monday June 17. 

@Samludidi - OFM Sport