U20 Rugby World Cup: Final Showdown Between New Zealand and South Africa
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The Italian city of Rovigo will host the U20 Rugby World Cup final on Saturday, July 19, promising an epic battle between the two most successful young teams on the planet. New Zealand and South Africa will clash again after 13 years in a final match that will decide the new champion.
Rematch from 2012
The final offers a replay of the legendary encounter from 2012, when these teams last met in a world championship final.
New Zealand enters the final as six-time champions seeking their first title since 2017. In the semifinal, they defeated defending champions France 34-26 and head into the final with an unchanged starting lineup after an impressive performance.
"Every child in New Zealand who has ever picked up a rugby ball dreams of this moment," says the New Zealand team coach.
South Africa has one title to their name from 2012, which they won precisely against New Zealand. In the semifinal, they dominated Argentina 48-24 and reached the final for the first time since 2014.
Captain Riley Norton says: "This is the ultimate test. Standing up to the haka on Saturday, the history and tradition of rugby between SA and New Zealand is just incredible."
Path to the Final
Both semifinals offered fans at Stadio Luigi Zaffanella in Viadana thrilling entertainment.
New Zealand vs. France (34-26)
The Baby Blacks quickly led 14-0, but the French twice equalized in the first half. A tight halftime score of 19-14 for New Zealand foreshadowed a dramatic second half. The key moment came when the New Zealanders held France even during two yellow cards.
South Africa vs. Argentina (48-24)
The Junior Springboks delivered a crushing start with a 28-3 lead after 25 minutes. Argentina fought back with two tries, but the decisive moment came when Vusi Moyo converted two penalty kicks and Albie Bester added his second try of the match.
South African coach Kevin Foote: "I'm incredibly proud of the team - they are absolute warriors and remain humble."
Clash of Styles and Cultures
The final will offer a clash between two different rugby cultures. New Zealand's creative attacking rugby will face South African physical dominance. The famous haka will meet South African passion, tempo and precision against strength and endurance.
"It's an exceptional moment and they are an exceptional team. A final between these two teams is fantastic for the game of rugby," says Kevin Foote, Junior Springboks coach.
Key Players
New Zealand will field an unchanged starting XV after the semifinal. The only change is on the bench, where Will Cole will wear jersey number 22. The team relies on strong defense that contained France in the semifinal.
South Africa will rely on center Albie Bester, who scored two tries in the semifinal, lively scrum-half Hassiem Pead, captain Riley Norton as team leader, and Vusi Moyo with accurate kicks.
Final Day Schedule
Besides the final, other placement matches will also take place:
- 5th place: England vs. Australia
- 9th place: Georgia vs. Scotland
- 11th place: Ireland vs. Spain
The last meeting between these teams took place in May during the U20 Rugby Championship, where New Zealand narrowly won 48-45 in a points-filled match.
The U20 Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and South Africa will take place on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 8:30 PM local time.
More information: 24live.com
Thank you to Stats Perform for providing the data and photographs.
Photo source: World Rugby
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