Junior Springboks Power Past Aussies with Stunning 66-5 Win at World Rugby U20s

The Junior Springboks made a powerful statement in their World Rugby U20 Championship opener on Sunday, dismantling Australia 66-5 in a thrilling showcase of high-octane rugby at Stadio San Michele in Calvisano, Italy. The South Africans wasted no time asserting their dominance, launching into the match with relentless intensity and flair from the first whistle.

From just outside their own 22-metre line, the Junior Boks broke away within five minutes to open the scoring. Hooker Siphosethu Mnebele’s storming run set up scrumhalf Haashim Pead for the first converted try of the match, signalling what would be a long afternoon for the Australians.

Junior Springboks vs Aussies First-Half Frenzy

Although the Aussies briefly responded through fullback Sid Harvey, the South African pack soon restored control. Prop Herman Lubbe crashed over from close range to extend the lead to 14-5. The final 10 minutes of the half belonged solely to the Junior Boks. Winger Siya Ndlozi’s blistering pace saw him grab two quick tries, brilliantly assisted by Pead and fullback Gilermo Mentoe. Right wing Cheswill Jooste added a fifth just before the break, helping South Africa surge to a commanding 33-5 advantage at halftime.

Second-Half Blitz Seals the Deal

The onslaught intensified after the restart. In just 17 minutes, the Junior Boks ran in another five tries. Ndlozi turned provider, feeding Pead for his second score, before Mentoe pounced on a loose ball and dashed away for a runaway try that pushed the scoreboard to 47-5.

Lock JJ Theron muscled over soon after, with fellow forward Jacobus Grobbelaar scoring in the corner and flanker Xola Nyali producing a sensational effort to take the lead to 66-5 by the 57th minute.

Late Response, But Boks Finish Strong

Although the young Aussies found some late rhythm — with winger Cooper Waters grabbing two late tries — South Africa had the final say. Replacement back Jaco Williams intercepted a stray pass after the hooter to finish the match in style.

Flyhalf Vusi Moyo added precision to the dominance, slotting seven conversions from nine attempts to contribute 14 points. Ian van der Merwe added two further conversions to round off the scoring.

A Commanding Opening Statement

The Junior Boks’ performance sent a clear message to their rivals: they’re in Italy to compete and conquer. With 11 tries and clinical finishing, their opening match left no doubt about their championship intentions. The blend of forward power and electric backline play was simply too much for the Australians, who struggled to contain the rampant South Africans at every turn.

Momentum Building for a Promising Campaign

As the tournament unfolds, this emphatic victory not only gives the Junior Springboks a strong platform but also showcases the wealth of talent in the country’s development pipeline. With players like Pead, Ndlozi and Mentoe shining early, the Boks will be eyeing more dominant displays in the rounds to come — and potentially a deep run in the championship.