Watch VideoJunior Springboks title hunt goes to the wire after Australian demolition

The Junior Springboks put Australia U20 to the sword with a commanding U20 Rugby Championship victory in Gqeberha on Sunday that secured this year’s title for the world champions. TheJunior Springboks may be close to wrapping up the Under-20 Rugby Championship,but there will be a renewed sense of purpose on Wednesday morning as they turn their attention to both a final statement against theirNew Zealand counterpartsand the defence of their world title later this year. A commanding 56-17 victory over theJunior Wallabiesat Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha put the Baby Boks within touching distance of the title.

While Tuesday brought some uncertainty over whether the title was already secured, SA Rugby confirmed that the race isn’t over yet — the standings mean it all comes down to this weekend’s decisive final fixtures. Despite the looming championship-deciding clash against New Zealand, Kevin Foote can still remain proud of his team’s win this past weekend. Indeed, Foote revealed after the game that the pain of last year’s narrow defeat to the Junior All Blacks had fuelled their current charge.

“From how we felt a year ago, there was a lot of motivation going into this game,” Foote said. That hurt has been channelled into a more complete and connected team, one that blends the traditional South African edge with a growing emphasis on skill and cohesion. “I think the whole squad showed what it means to play for South Africa.

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We showed grit and I’m super proud of everyone.” Captain Riley Nortonand his leadership group have been central to that evolution, setting standards from the opening win overArgentina U20and ensuring the squad remained grounded against Australia. His leadership will once again be invaluable in the high-pressure title decider. “Our preparation was excellent, and the leadership from Riley and the senior guys was really good,” Foote noted.

While physical dominance remains a cornerstone, Foote believes this group’s identity runs deeper. “OurDNAis physicality, but it’s also skill. You see the physicality in the breakdown and how we want to play. This team plays with pride.”

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