New Zealand U20 salvage late draw in dramatic clash with South Africa

South Africa initially thought the three-round competition had already been wrapped up in round two when the Kiwis fell to a historic defeat at the hands of Argentina, and the hosts had smashed Australia.

Earlier in the day, the Australian side, who were beaten by both South Africa and New Zealand in the opening two rounds, gifted the Kiwis the opportunity to claim an unlikely U20 Rugby Championship crown by overcoming Argentina, 32-20.

But it wasn’t to be for New Zealand, as the two great rivals couldn’t be separated in what was a back-and-forth contest in Gqeberha.

The Kiwis will rue some poor goal-kicking, leaving nine points on the field, including a 79th-minute game-winning opportunity by New Zealand’s first-five, Mika Muliaina.

New Zealand’s tighthead prop Dane Johnston crossed early from a lineout-maul to take the lead in the 6th minute, before South Africa ripped the away side’s defence to shreds in midfield.

The tournament hosts and competition leaders had a penalty advantage on the left hand side, opting to swing the ball wide where a left-to-right bullet pass by Yaqeen Ahmed put Akahluwa Boqwana in for their opening try.

A smart Siale Pahulu grubber kick then gave Oliver Guerin the easy task of planting the ball in South Africa’s in-goal for New Zealand’s second try, taking a 10-8 lead after 15 minutes.

Jury’s side continued to use their effective rolling maul, with Caleb Woodley dotting down shortly after.

Just when you thought the Kiwis had all the momentum heading into halftime, two quick tries in the final ten minutes of the first half to Rambo Kubheka and Boqwana saw the hosts lead 22-15 at the break.

The Junior Springboks, coached by Kevin Foote, started the second 40 minutes the way they ended the first, this time extending their lead through a Samuel Badenhorst five-pointer.

The ever-present Finn McLeod hit back minutes later, but the away side were unable to build any momentum over the Junior Springboks.

Pahulu was then red-carded by Australian referee Ella Goldsmith for a high tackle in the 67th minute, while South Africa had one lapse in concentration themselves in the 77th minute.

Jury’s side went close through Micah Fale, but it was Jack Benade’s right hand that stopped what Goldsmith believed to be a probable New Zealand try, awarding a yellow card and a penalty try to tie the game up.

South Africa opted to finish the game on a draw, kicking the ball out after the final hooter sounded.

FT: 29-29.

The Junior World Championship will be hosted once again in Georgia, starting in late June.