Rugby
Baby Boks run riot against Australia in U20 World Champs opener─── MORGAN PIEK 09:24 Mon, 30 Jun 2025
The Junior Springboks kicked off their 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship campaign in emphatic style on Sunday with a commanding 73–17 victory over Australia in Calvisano, Italy.
The Baby Boks ran in a total of 11 tries as they thumped the Junior Wallabies in a bonus-point win in Pool A of the annual tournament.
Haashim Pead and Siya Ndlozi each scored a brace of tries for South Africa, while Vusi Moyo landed seven conversions. Former Grey College flyhalf Ian van der Merwe also split the uprights twice.
JJ Theron, another Grey College product, and Jaco Grobbelaar, who matriculated at Hoërskool Fichardtpark in Bloemfontein, also dotted down in the comprehensive victory.
JJ Theron. Photo: World Rugby
Despite the extremely hot and humid conditions, the South Africans managed to outclass their opponents in almost every aspect of the game.
The result has set South Africa up nicely for their next clash, which will take place on Friday against a tough England side. The Junior Roses also enjoyed a strong start to their campaign, hammering their neighbours Scotland 56–19 in an equally one-sided affair.
Junior Springbok captain and lock Riley Norton praised his team for their strong performance to open their campaign.
“It was a great win against a quality Australian side, but we know there are areas we can improve,” said the talented all-round sportsman.
“This is just one game under our belts, and we’re eager to keep learning and improving as the tournament goes on. I’m happy with the win and really looking forward to the challenges ahead, which will require good preparation and review.”
In Sunday’s other matches, France beat Spain 49–11, while Ireland had to dig deep to edge Georgia 35–28.
New Zealand were tested in their 14–5 win over the hosts, Italy, and Argentina claimed a 34–27 victory against Wales.
Friday’s game between South Africa and England will kick off at 18:00 at the Stadio “Mario Battaglini” in Rovigo.
Junior Springboks: Tries - Haashim Pead 2, Herman Lubbe, Siya Ndlozi 2, Cheswill Jooste, Gilermo Mentoe, JJ Theron, Jaco Grobbelaar, Xola Nyali, Jaco Williams Conv. - Vusi Moyo 2, Ian van der Merwe 2
Australia: Tries - Sid Harvey, Cooper Watters 2 Conv. - Harvey
