The South Africa national under-20 rugby union team displayed resilience and composure under pressure as they fought back to secure a thrilling 29-29 draw against New Zealand national under-20 rugby union team and claim their maiden U20 Rugby Championship title at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Despite trailing early after conceding three tries to one, the Junior Boks rallied impressively to take a 22-15 halftime lead in front of an energetic crowd of 18,100 supporters in Gqeberha.
Head coach Kevin Foote praised his side’s determination and growth throughout the tournament.
We had moments where things didn’t go our way, but what stood out was the fight in the group and the resilience to keep coming back. That’s what you need in games like this, especially on occasions like these,said Foote.
Foote highlighted the improvement in South Africa’s kicking game and physicality compared to previous meetings with New Zealand.
Twelve months ago, we came here and didn’t kick particularly well. This time our kicking was mature, contestable, and it allowed us to play in the right areas of the field. There’s been real growth in our game.
However, the Junior Bok mentor admitted there were still areas needing refinement, particularly at the breakdown and with ball retention.
We probably turned over the ball too easily at times, and that’s something we’ll definitely work on. Against a team like New Zealand, you get punished if you’re not clinical.
Captain Riley Norton echoed his coach’s sentiments after another influential performance in the second row, especially reflecting on the tense closing stages.
Those last ten minutes were hectic. Momentum kept swinging and that’s where you learn the most,Norton said. We made a few simple errors and lost shape at the breakdown, and that gave them chances.
The skipper believes the pressure-filled encounter will prove invaluable ahead of future international tournaments.
These are exactly the kind of pressure situations we’ll face at a Junior World Cup. You have to stay composed, control what you can, and trust your systems.
While the draw denied South Africa a perfect tournament record, both Foote and Norton agreed the bigger objective had been achieved.
We’ve won the tournament, we’ve tested our depth, and we’ve learned a lot about ourselves,said Foote. This experience will serve us well going forward.
Foote also reserved special praise for the passionate Eastern Cape supporters who turned out in large numbers across the tournament.
To have over 40,000 people through the turnstiles across the three rounds is simply incredible,” Foote added. “From the moment we arrived, Gqeberha made us feel right at home.
The Junior Springboks finished the competition unbeaten on 13 points, while New Zealand also collected three points from the draw thanks to four-try bonus points. Australia national under-20 rugby union team and Argentina national under-20 rugby union team ended on seven points each.
Images: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium Management