NZ retain Under-20 Rugby Championship
- Dave Worsley
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
The New Zealand side has retained the men's under-20 Rugby Championship title after an exhausting 48-45 victory over hosts South Africa in Gqeberha.
The victory meant the Baby Blacks edged Australia for the title after the trans- Tasman rivals they beat Argentina 40-36.
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New Zealand were behind 19-0 after 13 minutes after conceding two early tries to the young Springboks before fighting their way back into the game.
The two sides swapped tries throughout the match with New Zealand taking the lead for the first time during the second half.
However, it was a tense finish as the visitors were reduced to 13 players after Caleb Woodley was red-carded and Randall Baker was given a yellow card.
Flanker Woodley was marched for a head clash with 11 minutes to play, while Baker was binned with three minutes to play for pulling down a maul which resulted in a penalty try.
New Zealand managed to defend strongly and held on for a memorable win and retention of the title.
Centre Harlyn Saunoa scored three tries and winger Maloni Kunawave two.
New Zealand try scorers were: Harlyn Saunoa (3), Manumaua Letiu, Maloni Kunawave (2), Sika Pole and Stanley Solomon, while Will Cole kicked four conversions.
Both New Zealand and Australia finished with two wins and a draw with New Zealand handed the title on points differential.
The Junior World Cup kicks off in Italy on 29 June.
New Zealand Under 20: 48 (Harlyn Saunoa 3, Manumaua Letiu, Maloni Kunawave 2, Sika Pole, Stanley Solomon tries; Will Coles 4 con) South Africa Under 20: 45 (Albie Bester, Simphiwe Ngobese, Siphosethu Mnebelele, Gino Cupido, Wandile Mlaba 2, Penalty Try tries; Vusi Moyo 4 con) HT: 24-26
