South Africa U20 player ratings vs France | World Rugby Junior World Championship Final

South Africa U20 player ratings: The Baby Boks remain at the top of the Junior World Championship pile after seeing off a brave and relentless French outfit 13-5 to secure the Baby Boks’ third World Rugby U20 Championship crown.It was the Baby Boks’ first successful title defence, with Yaqeen Ahmed, Danie Kruger and Markus Muller leading their team to championship glory.

1. Oliver Reid – 8
Devoured his French prop rival, clinching three scrum penalties, with one of them leading to Yaqeen Ahmed’s first penalty conversion. Made a few good carries as well.

2. Siphosethu Mnebelele – 5
Allowed nerves to creep in, missing several lineout throws, which gave France an easy exit from more than a few stressful moments.

3. Danie Kruger – 8
As his prop partner, Kruger was also voracious in his duties as a scrummager, operating at full capacity and helping South Africa dominate the 8v8 battle. Completed four dominant ball carries, winning the gain-line 60% of the time.

4. Heinrich Theron – 6
Tricky game for both Theron and Hattingh. As far as the lineout was concerned, the Baby Boks had a less-than-optimal performance, with Mnebelele carrying most of the responsibility for the dismay. Did well as a tackler, putting down several threats in close-quarters combat.

5. JD Hattingh – 6
Like half of his teammates, JD Hattingh had a mixed-bag display, looking strong in his defensive duties while slipping in his discipline. Had a very promising break mid-first half.

6. Risima Khosa – 6
Operated well from his side of the scrum, putting pressure on the French exit well, even though he had a quiet game with little involvement in open play.

7. Luke Cannon – 6
Positive start to the game, but had to come off following an HIA.

8. Wasi Vyambwera – 6.5
A weird outing for the No. 8. While he finished as the Baby Boks’ leading tackler, he also missed five tackles and conceded two penalties. Made 15 bone-crushing carries as well but lost control of the ball on four occasions, prompting a threatening French counter-attack.

9. Hendré Schoeman – 7
Tried to bring a bit of flair to a side that seemed uncomfortable with the ball in their possession and was even able to find a few cracks in the French blockade to run through. His passing game was mostly on point.

10. Yaqeen Ahmed – 8
Tried to convey structure to a backline that lacked the depth and speed to find any room in the French defence. Made a real difference with his tactical kicking, repeatedly relieving pressure and helping the Baby Boks escape their own territory whenever France threatened to pin them inside the final 20 metres. Made no mistakes from the kicking tee, finishing the match with a perfect four-from-four record.

11. Khuthadzo Rasivhaga – 6
The winger was reliable under the high ball and chased down Ahmed and Felix’s kicks well, which caused some problems for France’s outside-back trio. Was one of the few Boks who found a way to break through the opposition’s tight defence.

12. Ethan Adams – 6.5
The Baby Boks’ wrecking ball made quite a dent on the opposition, carrying with ferocious momentum. Unfortunately, his team’s lack of speed made it impossible to take any advantage of his physicality out wide. Subbed off with 25 minutes to play after his energy levels dipped and his influence on the contest began to fade.

13. Markus Muller – 7.5
Bruised plenty of French bodies throughout the contest, using his physicality to good effect and consistently winning the contact battle in a tireless performance. Bagged his side’s only try of the game, surging over to edge the Baby Boks closer to retaining the title.

14. Cheswill Jooste – 5.5
Cheswill Jooste’s line of work was mostly devoted to keeping France from finding a way through, making five successful tackles and missing two. Starved of possession for most of the match, but when the ball did come his way, he failed to turn any of his three involvements into anything productive. Had a try scrubbed off as he stepped out of play.

15. Alzeadon Felix – 7.5
Mopped up more than a few errors from his teammates, coming up with crucial interventions to shut down France’s attacking opportunities throughout the game, including a crucial try-saving jackal and a try-saving tackle. Aside from a kick that went out on the full, he was flawless in his kicking duties.

Replacements

16. Liam van Wyk – 7.5
Helped steady the Baby Boks lineout, giving it more cohesion and stability, which proved pivotal to their championship win.

17. Rambo Kubheka – 7
Kept the scrum momentum going, picking up where Oliver Reid had left off.

18. Luan van der Berg – 7
Came on hungry and helped South Africa maintain their dominance at scrum and maul time until the clock went red.

19. Jaythen Orange – 5.5
Had little opportunity to make an impression during his 10-minute stint.

20. Thomas Beling – 6
Subbed in with 15 minutes to go, and while it didn’t end up damaging the Baby Boks’ title aspirations, he conceded two penalties due to tackles above the sternum.

21. Gert Kemp – 6.5
Had to jump early into the fray and didn’t disappoint. Made an impact not only as a tackler but also as a counter-attacking threat, clinching two jackals in the second half to push his team forward.

22. Jayden Brits – 6
Made two tackles that avoided the worst. Brought the right energy in a crucial moment of the game.

23. Samuel Badenhorst – 7
Made an immediate impact, using his physicality across seven carries to put the opposition on the back foot.