Junior Boks relishing All Blacks' rivalry ahead of U20 Rugby Championship decider

The Junior Boks all but sealed the 2026 U20 Rugby Championship title at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Sunday after dismantling Australia 56-17 in an impressive display of rugby.

The much-anticipated clash kicks off at 16:10 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. In the day's opening encounter, Argentina and Australia will face off at 14:00 at the same venue.

The Junior Boks showed immense character to overcome a tenacious Los Pumitas side in the opening round before defeating Australia last Sunday. These results have put the South Africans in a good position to clinch the title for the first time since the tournament's inception three years ago.

New Zealand, the defending champions, arrived in the Friendly City having won the previous two editions, held in Brisbane in 2024, and last year in Gqeberha.

Following a much-needed recovery day on Monday, the Junior Bok squad returned to the grind on Tuesday morning, greeted by persistent rain during their session at Pearson High School in Summerstrand.

Speaking on the week's preparations, Junior Bok assistant coach Melusi Mthethwa noted that the group are in high spirit.

"The coaches and management have done a fantastic job of keeping the players' morale high," said Mthethwa.

"Yesterday was a vital recovery day because the boys were involved in a very physical battle against Australia last Sunday.

"Returning to the training field earlier today, the focus was palpable. Despite the wet weather, there was great clarity and attention to detail from the guys."

Mthethwa was full of praise for the challenge New Zealand presents: "The rivalry between our two countries is legendary. We have immense respect for them, and Saturday offers our players the incredible opportunity to face the haka and test themselves against our greatest rugby rivals.

"It doesn't get bigger than this. With both teams in contention to win the tournament, it adds a massive extra dimension to the occasion."

The SA coach expects a high-tempo affair, noting that both the Junior Boks and New Zealand are renowned for their physicality and attacking game.

"We are well aware of the quality New Zealand brings," he said. "For us, the mission is to meet that challenge head-on and rise to the occasion. The supporters in Gqeberha are in for a real rugby treat."

The tournament has already drawn over 20,000 fans to the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium over the first two double-headers.

"We are incredibly grateful to SANZAAR and SA Rugby for staging this tournament," said Mthethwa.

"It has been a privilege staying in Gqeberha; the hospitality and support from the Eastern Cape public have been top-class. We have one more game against a great opponent, and we hope the fans come out in their numbers to back us on Saturday."