Wandile Mlaba: A Standout in Junior Boks’ Narrow Defeat to NZ U20
- House Rugga
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
In a match that had all the makings of a classic, the Junior Springboks fell just short against a resilient New Zealand U20 side, going down 48–45 in Gqeberha. The clash closed out the 2025 U20 Rugby Championship in style—13 tries, big momentum swings, and late drama. One player who rose to the occasion was No. 8 Wandile Mlaba, whose performance was arguably the best on the park.
Big-Game Temperament
Mlaba was central to the Junior Boks’ fightback in the second half. With the team trailing, he pounced on a loose Kiwi pass and went the distance to score under the sticks, shifting the momentum. Minutes later, he crashed over again, this time through sheer power and timing, dragging the Boks back into the contest. His carries were dominant, his defensive work tireless, and he looked like a player built for the big stage.
Rugby IQ and Work Rate
More than just a big engine, Mlaba showed excellent game sense, knowing when to pick his lines and when to hold off defensively. His support play was clean, and he offered himself as a consistent outlet across multiple phases. In a loose forward unit that had its hands full with a physical and fast-paced Kiwi outfit, Mlaba still found a way to rise above.
Where He Comes From
Mlaba is no overnight sensation. A product of Michaelhouse in KwaZulu-Natal, he was a mainstay in their First XV and earned selection for the KZN Craven Week side. He was later picked for the SA Schools A team in 2022 and turned out for the Western Province U21s, building a reputation as a high-motor loose forward with serious upside. His performances at schoolboy level weren’t just about flashy he was the kind of player coaches trusted to make the hard tackles and win the dirty meters.
What’s Next?
Mlaba’s ceiling is high. His physicality is matched by sharp instincts, and his growth curve is trending steeply upward. With the Junior Springbok setup giving him more game time and exposure, it’s not unrealistic to see him pushing for URC minutes in the near future, or even higher if he continues on this trajectory.
South African rugby is never short of raw forward talent, & Mlaba’s ability to mix power with positional intelligence makes him one to watch closely. He’s already making statements in green and gold. The only question is how far he’ll go.
Mlaba is going places!!