South Africa have lifted the Under-20 Rugby Championship for the first time after settling for a draw in their final clash against New Zealand yesterday.
While it was originally believed ahead of the game South Africa had already wrapped up the title, a bonus-point rule came to light.
It meant that the Baby Blacks actually had a chance to retain their title; they needed to win the game by eight points or more.
But they were forced to settle for a 29-29 draw against South Africa.
Baby Blacks prop Dane Johnston crashed over from a lineout maul before South Africa unleashed their attack.
They swung the ball wide to put Akahluwa Boqwana over for their opening try.
New Zealand hit back through Oliver Guerin and then Caleb Woodley scored shortly after to extend his side’s lead further.
But South Africa came back with two quick tries of their own for the home side to lead 22-15 at the break.
They extended for their only points of the second half through Samuel Badenhorst, before Finn McLeod returned fire for the Baby Blacks.
The Baby Blacks, coached by Dunedin’s Kane Jury, found themselves in trouble when Siale Pahulu was red-carded for head-on-head contact.
But South Africa could not capitalise on the advantage and instead gave it back to the Baby Blacks
South African winger Jack Benade was yellow-carded late for smacking the ball down on an overlap and New Zealand were awarded a penalty try to make it a draw.
In the other game, Australia beat Argentina 32-20.
U20 Rugby Champs
The scores
New Zealand 29
Penalty try, Dane Johnston, Ollie Guerin, Caleb Woodley, Finn McLeod tries; HT: 22-15.
South Africa 29
Akahluwa Boqwana 2, Rambo Kubheka, Samuel Badenhorst tries; Yaqeen Ahmed 3 con, pen
Halftime: South Africa 22-15 — Allied Media
