Skipper Norton returns for Argentina semi as Junior Springboks eye U20 final after dominant group stage

And then there were four.

The Junior Springboks will face off against Argentina in the semi-finals of the World Rugby U20 Championship on Monday evening in Italy, while France and New Zealand contest the other semi-final.

Which two teams will make it to the final, and which group of players will eventually lift the trophy?

That’s a question that will have to wait – it’s too tricky to predict, and a lot, a lot of intense rugby has to happen before all that.

Biyela steps up, Norton set to return for semi-final

IOL Sport’s Leighton Koopman reports that interim captain Thando Biyela led the Junior Springboks with poise in their emphatic 73-14 win over Scotland on Wednesday, a result that saw South Africa top the overall standings heading into the U20 World Championship semi-finals.

“It was a good start,” said Biyela. “We had a strong opening 20 minutes which set us up, but Scotland tested us in the second half – credit to them. 

“Of course, there’s always room for improvement. We want to put in an 80-minute performance and play to our full potential.”

The Junior Boks raced to four tries in the first 16 minutes but were kept scoreless for a 20-minute stretch in the second half – a detail Biyela and the coaching team won’t overlook heading into Monday’s must-win clash against Argentina.

Good news for the South Africans is that regular captain Riley Norton will return for the semi-final, along with lock JJ Theron, scrumhalf Haashim Pead, and outside centre Demitre Erasmus – key players who were rested for the final group match.

Foote faces ‘tough’ selection after dominant display

Despite making several changes, coach Kevin Foote was pleased with the intensity his side maintained against the Scots.

“That was a mature effort,” Foote said. “Our squad is in a good place. I thought our back row was excellent around the breakdown. Some of those tries were great, and most of them were because of the work done at the breakdown and the massive effort upfront, which gave the boys such a good platform. 

“And when they got the space in front of them, they really were exciting on the attack.”

With players across the squad making their case, Foote now has a pleasant selection headache.

“It will be a very difficult job and will be hard to leave guys out,” he admitted.

Familiar foes await in the semi-final

The Junior Boks will now prepare for a familiar opponent in Argentina, who edged into the last four as the fourth-ranked team – narrowly ahead of England.

Earlier this year, South Africa got the better of the Pumitas in a hard-fought 36-25 win during the U20 Rugby Championship, scoring five tries in the process. But the stakes will be higher this time, and Argentina, who’ve built their game around physicality and tactical kicking, won’t roll over easily.

Still, South Africa’s form has been imposing – with 70-plus points scored against both Australia and Scotland, and a 10-point win over England showcasing their grit.

All roads now lead to Monday

With momentum on their side and key players returning, the Junior Boks are well-positioned for a tilt at the title. But as Biyela noted, the team is chasing an 80-minute performance – and they’ll need exactly that to break down a tough Argentine side and secure a place in the final.

The match kicks off on Monday evening in Parma, Italy, and South African rugby fans will no doubt be watching closely.