The Junior Springboks will face off against New Zealand in the final of the 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship on Saturday, 19 July, at 20:30 SAST in Rovigo, Italy.
South Africa vs New Zealand kick off times and teams
The match brings back memories of the 2012 final, where South Africa claimed their only U20 title on home soil by defeating the Baby Blacks.
Both teams reached the final following strong performances in the semi-finals on Monday, 14 July 2025.
South Africa outclassed Argentina with a 48-24 win. Early tries from centre Albie Bester and scrum-half Haashim Pead gave the Junior Boks a quick 14-0 lead.
Wing Jaco Williams added another after a clever chip by flyhalf Vusi Moyo, and lock JJ Theron scored the fourth to make it 28-3.
Although Argentina responded with three tries, the Junior Boks kept control, adding penalties and tries through Bester and wing Cheswill Jooste to secure their place in the final.
New Zealand had a tougher challenge, facing defending champions France.
However, they managed to overturn their 2024 defeat and reached the final, ending France’s hopes of winning three consecutive titles.
Predicted Junior Springbok lineup:
- 15 Gilermo Mentoe, 14 Cheswill Jooste, 13 Demitre Erasmus, 12 Albie Bester, 11 Jaco Williams, 10 Vusi Moyo, 9 Haashim Pead, 8 Wandile Mlaba, 7 Bathobele Hlekani, 6 Xola Nyali, 5 JJ Theron, 4 Riley Norton (captain), 3 Herman Lubbe, 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele, 1 Simphiwe Ngobese
- Replacements: Jaundré Schoeman, Oliver Reid, Jean Erasmus, Jaco Grobbelaar, Matt Romao, Ceano Everson, Dominic Malgas, Stephanus Linde
New Zealand predicted lineup:
- 15 Stanley Solomon, 14 Frank Vaenuku, 13 Cooper Roberts, 12 Jack Wiseman, 11 Maloni Kunawave, 10 Rico Simpson, 9 Dylan Pledger, 8 Mosese Bason, 7 Caleb Woodley, 6 Finn McLeod, 5 Jayden Sa, 4 Xavier Treacy, 3 Robson Faleafā, 2 Manumaua Letiu (captain), 1 Sika Pole
- Replacements: Eli Oudenryn, Israel Time, Dane Johnston, Aisake Vakasiuola, Micah Fale, Jai Tamati, Tayne Harvey, Harlyn Saunoa
Junior Boks vs New Zealand score prediction
The 2025 final is expected to bre a high-intensity match between two of rugby’s fiercest rivals.
South Africa’s fast starts and strong forward pack have brought them this far, but they have also shown some weaknesses, particularly in discipline.
The two yellow cards and 16 penalties conceded against Argentina could cost them against a clinical New Zealand side.
On the other hand, the Junior All Blacks have shown resilience and improvement, particularly in their ability to respond to strong opposition like France.
Considering both sides’ form, South Africa may have a slight edge due to their momentum and attacking depth, but they must avoid unnecessary penalties.
A closely contested final is anticipated, with a predicted scoreline of:
- South Africa 27 – 24 New Zealand.
Disclaimer: This score prediction is a speculative estimation based on recent performances and should not be taken as a definitive outcome of the match.
