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Junior Boks win U20 Rugby Championship title with a game to spare

South Africa celebrates Wasi Vyambwera of South Africa's try during the U20 Rugby Championship match between South Africa and Australia at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Gqeberha, South Africa. (Photo by Richard Huggard/Gallo Images)
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South Africa U20 have won the U20 Rugby Championship title with a game to spare after thrashing Australia by 56-17 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.

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The hosts ran in eight tries as Australia struggled with discipline, at one point going down to 13 players with two yellow cards.

Lock Isaac Fonua was sin-binned for collapsing a maul which led to a penalty try, while outside back Taione Taka was sent for a deliberate knock down.

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South Africa were able to build a commanding 28-12 lead at half-time, which continued in the second half with former schoolboy star Ethan Adams scoring the fifth as they pulled away.

The bonus point win gave them 10 competition points, which proved vital when Argentina upset New Zealand in the afternoon, handing South Africa the title with an unassailable lead.

“There was a huge improvement,” said head coach Kevin Foote.

“I think the whole squad showed what it means to play for South Africa. We showed grit and I’m super proud of everyone.”

“Our preparation was excellent, and the leadership from Riley [Norton] and the senior guys was really good..

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“From how we felt a year ago on this same night, there was a lot of motivation going into this game.

“Our DNA is physicality, but it’s also skill,” he said. “You see the physicality in breakdown and how we want to play. This team plays with pride.”

New Zealand’s bid for three straight U20 Rugby Championships is over with South Africa claiming their first in the third year of the tournament.

Their first Rugby Championship title adds to the World U20 Championship won in 2025, when they beat New Zealand 23-15, a reversal of the earlier result in the U20 Rugby Championship.

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The two nations will face off in the third and final round of this year’s U20 Rugby Championship on Saturday local time however it will only be for bragging rights with the title determined.

 

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