Draw bittersweet but objectives achieved for Junior Boks
REACTION: Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote and skipper Riley Norton praised the SA Under-20 side for fighting back from three tries to one down to draw 29-29 with New Zealand in their final match of the 2026 Under-20 Rugby Championship at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday.
South Africa fought back to hold a 22-15 lead at halftime in this thrilling encounter, which was staged in front of 18,100 people.
Speaking to the media after the match, Foote said: “We had moments where things didn’t go our way, but what stood out was the fight in the group and the resilience to keep coming back.
“That’s what you need in games like this, especially on occasions like these.”
Foote felt the Junior Boks showed clear development in their physicality and kicking game compared to previous encounters with New Zealand.
“Twelve months ago, we came here and didn’t kick particularly well. This time our kicking was mature, contestable, and it allowed us to play in the right areas of the field. There’s been real growth in our game.”
However, Foote admitted breakdown efficiency and ball security were areas where they could be better: “We probably turned over the ball too easily at times, and that’s something we’ll definitely work on.
“Against a team like New Zealand, you get punished if you’re not clinical.”
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Captain Riley Norton, who had another solid game at No.5 lock, echoed his coach’s sentiments, particularly around the tense closing stages.
“Those last ten minutes were hectic. Momentum kept swinging, and that’s where you learn the most,” Norton said.
“We made a few simple errors and lost shape at the breakdown, and that gave them chances.”
Despite that, the Junior Bok skipper stressed the value of the tournament experience: “These are exactly the kind of pressure situations we’ll face at a Junior World Cup. You have to stay composed, control what you can, and trust your systems.”
Both Foote and Norton agreed that while the draw was bittersweet, the broader objective had been achieved.
“We’ve won the tournament, we’ve tested our depth, and we’ve learned a lot about ourselves,” said Foote. “This experience will serve us well going forward.”
Foote was also quick to credit the passionate Eastern Cape public for their role in the tournament’s success.
“To have over 40,000 people through the turnstiles across the three rounds is simply incredible,” said Foote.
“From the moment we arrived, Gqeberha made us feel right at home. The energy in the stadium was incredible, and that support – right up until the final whistle of today’s game – was a massive factor for the boys.
“We are deeply grateful to every fan who came out to back us; they were truly fantastic.”
The Junior Boks finished the tournament unbeaten on 13 points after they and NZ both earned three points from the closing game – two points for the draw and one bonus point for scoring four tries each. Australia and Argentina finished on seven points each.
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