World Rugby U20s Highlights: South Africa v New Zealand

South Africa u20 ground out a hard fought 25-17 win over New Zealand u20 in round 3 of the World Rugby Under 20 Championship. The Baby Boks started strongly, crossing for two tries with a penalty in-between to open up a 13-0 lead. The Baby Boks then picked up two yellow cards, with New Zealand getting on the board with a penalty 13-3. South Africa would keep the scoreboard ticking over with two late first half penalties to take a 19-3 advantage into the halftime break. New Zealand were awarded an early second half penalty try to reduce the deficit to 19-10, with the Baby Boks picking up their third yellow card of the match in the process. 

 

The tough, physical encounter continued with some superb work on defence from both sides to keep the other out. With a little under ten minutes to play a Baby Bok penalty made it 22-10. New Zealand responded with their second try to close the gap to 22-17 with 5 minutes to play, setting up an intense finish. New Zealand threw everything at the Baby Boks, but South Africa slotted a late penalty to seal the victory to top the pool and book a semi-final clash with defending champions France.