TRC U20: New Zealand go back-to-back after nail-biter against South Africa

New Zealand retained the Rugby Championship U20 title at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, coming from 19-0 behind to beat the Junior Springboks 48-45.

The New Zealand side, coached by former Georgia head coach Milton Haig, went down to 13 men in the final moments of the match, holding on to a narrow victory.

New Zealand went through the tournament unbeaten, after drawing 29-29 with Australia in the opening game, smashing Argentina 75-21 and then just getting past the Junior Springboks on Monday morning NZT.

The two New Zealand wingers combined for five tries in the final match, with Harlyn Saunoa scoring a hat-trick in the first half, after the Kiwis went down 19-0 in the first 20 minutes. Saunoa’s hat trick against the Junior Springboks took his tournament tally of tries to four.

All Blacks Sevens player and Crusaders development winger Maloni Kunawave scored a second-half double, taking his tally of tries from the tournament to six, after scoring a double in all three games in the 2025 tournament.

New Zealand captain and Crusaders hooker Manumaua Letiu got in on the action late in the first half, sniping down the short side off the back of a strong lineout maul, to muscle his way over the line.

All try scorers for New Zealand were backs, apart from Blues prop Sika Pole, who was too big, too strong from close to the line in the 46th minute.

Wellington NPC fullback Stanley Solomon enjoyed another strong performance in the black jersey, scoring in the corner in the 53rd minute.

Hurricanes U20 first five Will Cole steered the New Zealand side around the park well, as well as Auckland NPC playmaker Rico Simpson who came off the bench to close out the game.

Blues flanker Caleb Woodley was red-carded in the 70th minute for head-on-head contact, before replacement lock Randall Baker was also sin binned with four minutes to go.

The New Zealand side was able to hold on, controlling possession in the final stages.

Replacement halfback for New Zealand, Jai Tamaiti, gave fans a minor heart attack, as his kick into touch on the final hooter went backwards, and nearly fell into the hands of the Junior Springboks winger.

It just made its way out, crossing the line and bouncing out of play just inside the Kiwis’ in-goal.

For the Junior Springboks, star loose forward Wandile Mlaba impressed in the second half, scoring a double within a short ten minute period in the second half.

In the other match on Monday morning, Australia and Argentina also battled it out in a high-scoring game, with Australia just coming out on top, 40-36.

Australia also went unbeaten in the short competition, but failed to get a bonus point against Argentina in the final match, giving New Zealand their second U20 Rugby Championship title in a row.

Final standings:

New Zealand U20 – 11 points

Australia U20 – 10 points

South Africa U20 – 6 points

Argentina U20 – 1 point