New Zealand rally to beat South Africa, win under-20 Rugby Championship

Monday, 12 May 2025

New Zealand had to dig deep and rally to beat South Africa and defend their under-20 Rugby Championship title.

They trailed 19-0 inside 14 minutes on Sunday (Monday NZ time) and survived a red card and a yellow card in the final 11 minutes to win 48-45.

The win meant New Zealand claimed top spot in the four-team tournament for the second year in a row.

Australia beat Argentina 40-36 in the day’s other match to finish second.

Wingers Harlyn Saunoa and Maloni Kunawave both had flying finishes in the corner, with Saunoa scoring a first-half hat-trick and Kunawave scoring twice in the second half.

New Zealand trailed 26-24 at halftime but took the lead for the first time two minutes after the break.

They were ahead 48-38 when Caleb Woodley was sent off for a head clash with South African winger Cheswill Jooste.

South Africa thought they had pulled within one score when Kyle Smith crossed over in the 75th minute, but they were made to wait when the try was ruled out for obstruction.

They had been playing under advantage so retained the ball and kicked for the corner and scored a penalty try from the ensuing maul.

Randall Baker was sent to the sin-bin for bringing the maul down, leaving South Africa with two extra men in the final stages.

Lock Josh Tengblad won the ball back for New Zealand with just under two minutes to play and they were able to see the match out from there.