It’s the first time the Baby Boks have reached the final since 2014, and they’re confident they can repeat the heroics of 2012.

Back then, the Junior Springboks claimed the title with a memorable 22-16 victory over New Zealand at the iconic Grand Old Lady of South African rugby, Ellis Park. 

That final featured the likes of Handré Pollard, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Steven Kitshoff, Jan Serfontein, and Raymond Rhule – all of whom went on to represent the Springboks. Paul Willemse and Oli Kebble, also part of that squad, later went on to play for France and Scotland, respectively.

Earlier this year, the Junior All Blacks edged South Africa 48-45 in a thrilling U20 Rugby Championship clash at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha. However, that result is now in the past – all focus is on Saturday’s World Cup final in Italy.

Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote said selecting the match-day squad for the final was no easy task, given the effort every player has put in throughout the campaign.

“This has been our settled combination for most of the year, and the team plays with great synergy,” said Foote.

Wiaan Liebenberg receiving the 2012 IRB Junior World Championship trophy at Newlands. Photo: World Rugby

“Given how well everyone has performed, it was incredibly difficult to leave anyone out. We’re grateful for the absolute selflessness of the players not selected for Saturday’s final and for how hard they’ve continued to train to ensure the team is fully prepared for New Zealand.

“We’ve again opted for a 6-2 split on the bench, as our forwards made a big impact in the semi-final against Argentina. We also took a few lessons from our previous clash with New Zealand in South Africa a few months ago.”

En route to the final, South Africa beat Australia, England, Scotland, and Argentina convincingly to get their first crack at glory in 11 years.

Riley Norton. Photo: World Rugby

Like South Africa, New Zealand are unbeaten in the tournament. They topped Pool B before knocking out a strong French side in the semi-finals, setting up a mouthwatering final showdown with the Baby Boks.

Saturday night’s final at Stadio “Mario Battaglini” in Rovigo is set to kick off at 20:30.

Junior Springboks - 15 Gilermo Mentoe, 14 Cheswill Jooste, 13 Demitre Erasmus, 12 Albie Bester, 11 Jaco Williams, 10 Vusi Moyo, 9 Haashim Pead, 8 Wandile Mlaba, 7 Bathobele Hlekani, 6 Xola Nyali, 5 JJ Theron, 4 Riley Norton (captain), 3 Herman Lubbe, 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele, 1 Simphiwe Ngobese

Replacements - 16 Jaundré Schoeman, 17 Oliver Reid, 18 Jean Erasmus, 19 Jaco Grobbelaar, 20 Matt Romao, 21 Stephanus Linde, 22 Ceano Everson, 23 Dominic Malgas

New Zealand - 15 Stanley Solomon, 14 Frank Vaenuku, 13 Cooper Roberts, 12 Jack Wiseman, 11 Maloni Kunawave, 10 Rico Simpson, 9 Dylan Pledger, 8 Mosese Bason, 7 Caleb Woodley, 6 Finn McLeod, 5 Jayden Sa, 4 Xavier Treacy, 3 Robson Faleafa, 2 Manumaua Letiu (captain), 1 Sika Pole

Replacements - 16 Eli Oudenryn, 17 Israel Time, 18 Dane Johnston, 19 Aisake Vakasiuola, 20 Micah Fale, 21 Jai Tamati, 22 Will Cole, 23 Tayne Harvey

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg