The Baby Boks were off to a flying start, racing to a 19–0 lead within the first 14 minutes of the match. 

But the New Zealanders fought back strongly. By halftime, the Junior Boks were clinging to a slim 26-24 lead. In the second half, New Zealand took control, and when the final whistle blew, they had edged out the South Africans 48-45 to claim the win and the series.

Kevin Foote. Photo: SA Rugby

In the other match yesterday, the Junior Wallabies narrowly beat Argentina’s Los Pumitas 40-36 to finish second overall. Despite the Junior Springboks’ inconsistent performances across their three matches at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, head coach Kevin Foote said his players could be proud of their efforts and that there were plenty of positives to take forward.

“There are a lot of positives to take from that performance. We’re on a big journey together, and I’ve only been working with Riley Norton and the boys since November. We’re definitely putting in the hard yards on our game model and principles, and everyone’s starting to buy in,” said Foote.

“From a character and leadership point of view, we’re in a good place. The lessons we’ve learnt will be a massive help as we prepare for the World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy next month.

“I think Melusi (Mthethwa), our backline coach, has done a fantastic job with our attack. The players have real clarity about how we want to play.

“We played some exciting, high-quality attacking rugby during the tournament, and hearing the crowd get behind us when we started to hit our stride was just brilliant. 

“We know we’re not the finished product, and there’s still a lot of work to be done, but I do believe our attack has come a long way. The guys are enjoying the way we’re playing.”

South Africa’s only win came in the opening round, when they beat Argentina 36-25.

Junior Springboks: Tries - Albie Bester, Simphiwe Ngobese, Siphosethu Mnebelele, Gino Cupido, Wandile Mlaba 2, Penalty Try Conv. - Vusi Moyo 4

New Zealand: Tries - Harlyn Saunoa 3, Manumaua Letiu, Maloni Kunawave 2, Sika Pole, Stanley Solomon Conv. - Will Cole 4

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh