Baby Boks Bound for Glory: U20 Final Showdown with New Zealand Looms

The Junior Springboks have booked their place in the World Rugby U20 Championship final after a commanding 48-24 win over Argentina, and now face their biggest test yet in the shape of a clinical, unbeaten New Zealand outfit. Saturday’s final in Rovigo isn’t just the culmination of this campaign, it’s an opportunity to restore South Africa’s place at the top of the junior rugby world for the first time since 2012.

This South African side has shown steady progression through the tournament, growing in cohesion and intensity with each outing. Their semi-final performance was their most complete yet, a blend of physical dominance up front and sharp execution out wide. Against a traditionally combative Argentine pack, the Baby Boks imposed themselves early and maintained control for most of the match.

Rising Star Haashim Pead vs Argentina 2025.

A New Generation of SA Rugby Talent

• Albie Bester

  Bester’s performance against Argentina was central to South Africa’s momentum in the first half. He hit hard lines off 9 and 10, scored two well-worked tries, and was solid defensively. His ability to straighten the attack and create gainline advantage consistently helped unlock space out wide.

  
  

• Haashim Pead

  Pead continues to be one of the most effective nines in the tournament. His support lines are excellent, he finished off a break for his sixth try of the campaign, and his tempo at the base keeps South Africa’s attack ticking. Controlled when needed, opportunistic when the space opened up.

  
  

• Vusi Moyo

  Moyo delivered a composed, accurate performance. His goal-kicking was faultless, and his tactical kicking, particularly a short chip for Jaco Williams’ try, showed good awareness. He’s not flashy, but his decision-making and control of territory were key to keeping Argentina under pressure.

  
  

• Batho Hlekani

  One of South Africa’s most consistent forwards in this tournament. Hlekani made metres with ball in hand early on, helped secure quick ruck ball, and was effective in disrupting Argentina’s breakdown. His physicality gave the Boks a clear edge in contact.

Batho Hlekani powerful carry vs Argentina 2025.

• Wandile Mlaba

  Mlaba carried with intent and impact, consistently getting over the gainline and generating quick ball. He played a direct role in South Africa’s second try, drawing defenders before releasing Pead on the inside. A strong performance both in tight and in transition.

  
  

• Jaco Williams

  Williams showed sharp finishing instincts, reading Moyo’s chip perfectly and executing the try with precision. He worked well off his wing and was solid under the high ball, offering good balance to South Africa’s back three.

  
  

• JJ Theron

  Theron was part of a dominant set-piece effort and capped a strong shift with a well-earned try just before the break. He was a reliable lineout target and a physical presence in the tight exchanges, a performance that underlined his value in the engine room.

  
  

• Cheswill Jooste

  Jooste produced one of the moments of the tournament with a 70m solo try, fielding a loose ball deep in his own half and backing his pace. But beyond the highlight reel finish, his positioning, kicking from hand, and counter attacking threat were all top class.

The Stakes: A Shot at Ending a 13 Year Wait

South Africa haven’t lifted the U20 Championship title since 2012. For a country with a rich pipeline of rugby talent, that’s a gap that doesn’t align with expectations. This group, however, has shown the balance, discipline, and skillset to go one step further.

Standing in their way are New Zealand, six-time champions and the most successful side in the history of the competition. The Junior All Blacks have been efficient, physical, and tactically sharp throughout the tournament. Beating them in a final would be a major statement, not just in the context of this campaign, but in reaffirming South Africa’s standing as the premier producer of elite-level rugby talent.

Win this final, and this Baby Bok team joins an exclusive club. More than that, they announce themselves as the next generation of Springboks ready to push for Test honours. The margin for error will be small, the battle up front decisive, and execution under pressure non-negotiable.

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