The Junior Springboks of South Africa ended a 13-year wait for a second World Rugby U20 Championship title after beating New Zealand 23-15 in the final of the 2025 edition in the Italian city of Rovigo on Saturday.
It was the first meeting of the two nations in a final since the Junior Springboks’ class of 2012, featuring the likes of future Rugby World Cup winners Handre Pollard, Steven Kitshoff and Pieter-Steph du Toit, ran out 22-16 winners in Cape Town.
A sold-out Stadio Mario Battaglini didn’t have long to wait for the opening try of this title decider, flanker Xola Nyale going over from close range in the third minute only for New Zealand to hit back through Jayden Sa from a lineout move.
New Zealand loose-head prop Sika Uamaki Pole was sent to the sin-bin in the 22nd minute, the yellow upgraded to a 20-minute red by the Foul Play Review Official, the first red card in a final since 2012. South Africa centre Albertus Bester would be carded 10 minutes later, but his remained a yellow card with South Africa only able to add two Vusi Moyo penalties for a 13-5 half-time lead.
An early Rico Simpson penalty cut the deficit after New Zealand were unable to find a way through the South African defence, before the Junior Springboks had a try by Hassiem Pead chalked off by the TMO for holding.
The second try would eventually come, albeit only in the 77th minute when Gilermo Mentoe went over to wrap up victory.
There was still time for New Zealand to grab a consolation try by Maloni Kunawave but it was South Africa captain Riley Norton who got to enjoy “the greatest day” of his life and lift the coveted trophy aloft.
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