Junior Boks coach, Bafana Nhleko, praised his team's efforts as they took an early victory with a 7-point lead heading into half-time. The second half went goalless for both sides seeing the game end on a 22-15 to the Springboks.

SA Rugby Mag reported the following words from Nhleko: “Obviously this is not the final we wanted to play, we wanted to win the tournament, but the response from Paul de Villiers (the captain), the squad and the management team was brilliant.”

Although the team played out for 3rd, they gave it their all and secured the bronze win for the fourth consecutive time and an overall ninth time. Their strong defence ensured England would not get a foothold in the game.

At the top of the podium, France secured a hat-trick gold medal finish. In the finals, the French were up against Ireland and secured a 50-14 win over the Irish to become only the second team to win the tournament three consecutive times. The only other side who have managed to do this is New Zealand. 

New Zealand finished in 7th this year after securing a win against Georgia. 

For France, the win for the U20s gives hope to the senior side as their nation readies themselves to host the 2023 World Cup. 

Kayla Barker/OFM Sport