Boks vs Baby Blacks: Rivalry reignites in World Rugby U20 Championship final

“Revenge,” they say, “is a dish best served cold.” But how cold?

In Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel The Count of Monte Cristo, Edmond Dantès is falsely imprisoned, escapes after 14 years, uncovers a hidden fortune, and slowly, methodically destroys the lives of those who betrayed him.

How about 13 years cold?

That’s how long it’s been since South Africa and New Zealand last met in a World Rugby Under-20 Championship final – when a packed Newlands Stadium erupted in 2012 as the Junior Springboks defeated a dominant Baby Blacks team to clinch their first and only title.

Now, more than a decade later, the rivalry is about to be reignited, and New Zealand’s proud rugby heritage will not allow them to forget the 2012 defeat.

The Junior Springboks booked their return to the final – their first since 2014 – with a hard-fought victory over Argentina on Monday evening in Viadana, Italy. Earlier in the day, New Zealand had punched their own ticket with a win over France at the same venue. The two sides will now clash for U20 supremacy on Saturday in Rovigo.

Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote underlined the magnitude of the moment, referencing the unique history shared by two of the sport’s most storied nations.

“Every child in South Africa and every child in New Zealand who has ever picked up a rugby ball dreams of this occasion,” said Foote. “It’s a special moment, and they (NZ) are a special side. A final between these two teams is fantastic for the game of rugby.”

Team captain Riley Norton said the chance to face the haka in a final was something the players have envisioned for years.

“You don’t need any extra motivation for a final like this,” Norton said. “As coach Kevin said, you dream of a match like this – facing the haka on Saturday, the history and tradition of rugby between SA and NZ is just unbelievable.

“We love playing each other and have great respect for one another. It’s going to be an 80-minute battle. We’re extremely excited for Saturday, and I know the guys are up for it and very keen.”

After their physically draining semi-final against Argentina, the Junior Boks enjoyed a recovery day on Tuesday before resuming preparations on Wednesday at their base in Valpolicella, outside Verona.

Whether this final ends in sweet revenge or another epic chapter in a rich rugby rivalry, one thing is certain – it has all the ingredients of a classic. Or should we say, another classic?

The Junior Springbok team to face New Zealand in Rovigo: (15–1): Gilermo Mentoe, Cheswill Jooste, Demitre Erasmus, Albie Bester, Jaco Williams, Vusi Moyo, Haashim Pead, Wandile Mlaba, Bathobele Hlekani, Xola Nyali, JJ Theron, Riley Norton (captain), Herman Lubbe, Siphosethu Mnebelele, Simphiwe Ngobese. Replacements (16–23): Jaundré Schoeman, Oliver Reid, Jean Erasmus, Jaco Grobbelaar, Matt Romao, Stephanus Linde, Ceano Everson, Dominic Malgas