On Saturday, the Baby Boks beat New Zealand 23–15 in Rovigo to clinch the title and cap off their outstanding campaign in style at a sold-out Stadio Mario Battaglini.

It was the first meeting between the two nations in a final since 2012, when a Junior Springbok team featuring future Rugby World Cup winners like Handré Pollard, Steven Kitshoff, Jan Serfontein, and Pieter-Steph du Toit claimed a 22–16 victory at Newlands in Cape Town.

The 2025 Junior Springboks and World Champions. Photo: Maurilio Boldrini/World Rugby

The current crop wasted no time making their mark, with flanker Xola Nyale crashing over from close range in just the third minute. New Zealand responded through Jayden Sa, who scored from a lineout move in the 15th minute for an unconverted try.

In the 22nd minute, New Zealand loosehead prop Sika Uamaki Pole was sent to the sin bin, and the yellow card was later upgraded to a 20-minute red by the Foul Play Review Official. Ten minutes later, South African centre Albertus Bester also received a yellow card. During this period, the Baby Boks managed to add two penalties from the boot of Vusi Moyo to take a 13–5 lead into half-time.

New Zealand narrowed the gap with a penalty from Rico Simpson early in the second half, while Moyo responded with his third successful kick for South Africa. Hassiem Pead had a try disallowed, but the pressure remained on the Kiwis.

With four minutes to go, Gilermo Mentoe crossed the whitewash for South Africa’s second try. New Zealand struck back two minutes later with Maloni Kunawave crossing the whitewash, but the damage had already been done. The Junior Boks held firm for a memorable and emotional victory.

Speaking after the triumph, captain Riley Norton, who is also a national age-group cricketer, credited the success to a massive team effort, especially after a disappointing U20 Rugby Championship earlier in the year.

Hassiem Pead. Photo: Maurilio Boldrini/World Rugby

“I'm quite emotional, I’d say, but I'm just so proud,” said Norton. “The amount of work we put in after a not-so-great U20 Rugby Championship … our backs were against the wall, and we just came out and gave it everything.

“The group is unbelievable. The management, the coaches – we all bought into a common goal. It wasn’t always easy, but this is the greatest day of my life. I’m so proud of the boys. Hats off to New Zealand – they’re an unbelievable team and we’ve got so much respect for them. They never go away.

“Playing a final against them was extremely special – it’s something we’ve wanted for a very, very long time.”

Norton added that the team’s success came from sticking to their identity and playing to their strengths.

“We just said we had to show up physically – that’s our DNA. That’s where South Africans get their energy and passion – from the set piece, the mauls, the scrums, and the big hits. I think the guys delivered that for a full 80 minutes.

Gilermo Mentoe. Photo: Maurilio Boldrini/World Rugby

“We never backed down. And then there’s Vusi Moyo – unbelievable boot. He always kept us on the front foot, slotting those penalties. It’s incredible, and the best part is, he’s still eligible next year.

“I’m just so proud. Honestly, I have no words. It’s been an extremely special few weeks in Italy – something I’ll never forget.”

The Junior Springboks will look to defend their title next year in Georgia.

Scorers:

Junior Springboks: Tries - Xola Nyale, Gilermo Mentoe Conv. - Vusi Moyo 2 Pen. - Moyo 3

New Zealand: Tries - Jayden Sa, Maloni Kunawave Conv. - Will Cole Pen. - Rico Simpson

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg