Junior Boks take on New Zealand in World Rugby U20 Championship final on Saturday
On Monday, 14 July, fans at Stadio Luigi Zaffanella witnessed two thrilling semi-finals.
The action began with a rematch of the 2024 encounter between France and New Zealand, a high-scoring affair previously won 55-31 by Les Bleuets in South Africa. This time, however, the Junior All Blacks had the last word, securing their place in the final and ending France's hopes of a three-peat.
South Africa, meanwhile, made a blistering start in their semi-final against Argentina. Centre Albie Bester opened the scoring in the ninth minute, and moments later, scrum-half Hassiem Pead finished a sweeping move straight from the restart.
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With a 28-3 lead inside 25 minutes, the Junior Boks looked set to cruise, but Argentina hit back just before halftime through number eight Agustín Garcia Campos Fiszman.
Timoteo Silva's second-half try narrowed the gap to 11 points, but South Africa responded with composure. Vusi Moyo added two penalties before Bester raced in for his second try, securing a 48-24 win and their first final appearance in over a decade.
Earlier in the day, Wales looked to repeat their U20 Six Nations triumph over England and led 13-12 at the break thanks to Sion Davies' try.
However, England stormed back with three tries in an eight-minute burst around the hour mark to claim a dominant 51-13 victory, securing a top-six finish in the 2025 Championship.
Watch the Junior Boks take on New Zealand live on SuperSport, Saturday, 19 July at 8.30 pm.
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