The highly anticipated World Rugby U20 Championship 2025 final between New Zealand U20 and South Africa U20 took place on Saturday, 19 July 2025, at Stadio Mario Battaglini in Rovigo, Italy[2]. Both teams reached the final with impressive tournament runs, rekindling memories of their iconic 2012 title clash[3].
The teams entered the match with immense momentum and confidence. South Africa’s Junior Springboks featured an unchanged lineup, headlined by standout performers Pead, the tournament’s leading try-scorer, and Vusi Moyo, the top points scorer whose long-range kicking and poise have been instrumental[4]. Head coach Bafana Nhleko highlighted the players’ belief and resilience, emphasizing their unity and excitement at returning to a U20 final after an eleven-year gap[4].
For New Zealand, head coach Clark Laidlaw named a side that has grown in confidence across the tournament, with a potent attack and solid defensive organization. The squad included key talents such as Harland Suoa, who produced a first-half hat trick in a previous high-stakes encounter between these teams, and captain Manawa Leu, contributing critical tries and leadership[1]. Their path to the final included a thrilling semi-final victory, showcasing attacking flair and tenacity after an early lead was challenged by France[3].
The build-up to the final was marked by strategic confidence from both camps. The Junior Boks lauded their tactical discipline and the guidance of their coaching staff, while the Baby Blacks focused on their dynamic backline and the strong attacking platforms they had developed[4]. The match promised a spectacle, with contrasting yet balanced strengths—South Africa’s set-piece dominance and kicking game against New Zealand’s attacking verve and open-field play[3].
The final kicked off at 20:30 local time, broadcast live and attracting global attention as both rugby nations sought to reclaim the U20 title[4]. Full team lineups, statistics, and live updates were made available leading up to the match, with fans and pundits alike eagerly anticipating a hard-fought contest[2][7][8].
References
- [1] FULL GAME: U20s NZ v U20s South Africa 2025 | Red Card drama!
- [2] New Zealand U20 v South Africa U20 – World Rugby
- [3] New Zealand to face South Africa in World Rugby U20 Championship 2025 final
- [4] Junior Boks ready for Final showdown with NZ U20
- [7] World U20 rugby final live updates: NZ v South Africa
- [8] The New Zealand Under 20 Team Named to face South Africa in World Rugby Under 20 Championship Final
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