South Africa U20 player ratings vs England | World Rugby Junior World Championship 2026

South Africa U20 player ratings: The Junior Boks weathered England’s fast start before strangling the game through their set-piece, defensive pressure and superior physicality.

The Junior Boks were not flawless, but once Seb Kelly saw red, they sensed blood and went straight for England’s throat. Their outstanding lineout operation, powerful ball carriers and clinical back-three proved the difference as they secured their place in the final.

1. Oliver Reid – 7
Part of a front row that gradually edged the scrum battle after a relatively even start. Also went close from the excellent Junior Bok maul.

2. Siphosethu Mnebelele – 8
The captain led an immaculate lineout performance. South Africa’s catch-and-drive caused England enormous problems and his throwing barely missed a beat all evening.

3. Danie Kruger – 7.5
Put in some huge hits and increasingly got on top at scrum time. A powerful outing in both core prop responsibilities.

4. Heinrich Theron – 8
Outstanding in the lineout and provided the final pass for Rasivhaga’s second-half try. A towering presence throughout.

5. JD Hattingh – 7.5
Alongside Theron, absolutely soared at lineout time. England struggled to disrupt him and he provided a superb platform for the Junior Bok pack.

6. Kebotile Maake – 9
One early offside penalty aside, he was exceptional. Produced a thunderous finish in the corner after running through Pearson and then added another as South Africa ripped England apart. Relentlessly physical.

7. Luke Cannon – 8
Was constantly sniffing around the breakdown and got rewarded with a try. Added plenty of defensive edge and carried with authority.

8. Gert Kemp – 8
Tackled English ball-carriers like they were shoplifters. Led the defensive charge, won two turnovers and was a huge nuisance throughout. A butchered try opportunity dents the score slightly.

9. Hendre Schoeman – 7.5
Kept probing around the fringes and helped create South Africa’s opening try. Did a good job keeping England’s defence honest.

10. Yaqeen Ahmed – 7.5
Some lovely touches, including a brutal carry and countless key involvements in attack. However, missed touch from a penalty, conceded four turnovers and errors crept into his game. Excellent overall, but far from flawless.

11. Khuthadzo Rasivhaga – 9
Clinical. Made England pay soon after the red card and finished with a hat-trick. Sharp, opportunistic and always alive to chances. A nightmare to defend against one-on-one.

12. Ethan Adams – 7.5
England targeted him defensively early, but he gradually imposed himself. Produced a huge carry and helped create one of Maake’s scores.

13. Markus Muller – 7
Some excellent breakdown work including a turnover, and powerful in contact. A couple of turnovers conceded prevented a higher mark.

14. Cheswill Jooste – 8.5
Super-sonic pace sparked multiple South African attacks, most notably a 50-metre counterattack after an England error. Constantly threatening.

15. Luan Giliomee – 5.5
A chaotic evening. Spilled two balls in a poor first half, then exploded into life after the break. His running, kicking and ability to beat defenders one-on-one were outstanding as he helped ignite several tries. Unfortunately capped by a reckless aerial challenge and 20-minute red card. Five point five feels harsh given some of the wizardly he showed but it’s impossible to score him any higher in the circumstances.

Replacements – 7
Made sure South Africa maintained the upper hand in the set-piece and helped put England to the sword before the numbers were evened up by Giliomee’s dismissal. Strong impact right across the forward replacements in particular.