I am so proud to be South African, says Junior Springboks captain Norton

Junior Springbok captain Riley Norton said team unity and passionate defence combined to produce “the greatest day of my life” as New Zealand were beaten 23-15 in the final of the World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Italy on Saturday night.

It was the Baby Boks’ first victory in the tournament since 2012, when they also beat New Zealand — that time at Newlands.

“I’m quite emotional, but I’m just so proud,” Norton said. “The amount of work that we put in after not a great U20 Rugby Championship …

"Our backs were against the wall and we just came out and gave it everything. The group is unbelievable — the management, the coaches — we all pulled into a common idea. It wasn’t easy at times, but yes, this is the greatest day of my life.”

Norton said a commitment to the basics laid the foundation for the win over their long-time rivals.

“We had to show up physically. That’s our DNA.

"That’s where we South Africans get our passion and our energy from. The set phase, the maul, the scrum, the hits — the guys did that for 80 minutes.

“And of course, Vusi Moyo with his unbelievable boot, always putting us on the front foot and kicking those penalties — it’s just unbelievable.”

Moyo contributed 13 invaluable points from the tee, while flanker Xola Nyali and fullback Gilermo Mentoe crossed for tries.

Norton said the team had embraced the pressure of being considered pre-tournament favourites.

“The amount of support we received from South Africa — videos from our mates, people sending us messages and just backing us — was just unbelievable. I’m so proud to be South African, and we couldn’t have done it without our fans back home cheering us on every step of the way.”

Head coach Kevin Foote praised his team’s defensive resilience and refusal to let the Kiwis back into the match, even when they were camped on the South African tryline for long spells.

“Defence is all about character, and there were moments when New Zealand were right on our line, but we held firm,” Foote said.

“From a coach’s perspective, you can’t ask for more than that. It was a real South African defensive effort and gees (spirit) that won it for us today.”

Foote, who took charge of the Junior Boks at the end of last year, described the squad as a special group of young players.

“I love our country and the Springboks, and I love working with this age group,” he said.

“To see these young men grow from training in December to what they’ve achieved now is amazing. Being on this journey with them has been incredibly special, and I’ll never take it for granted.”

Foote added that he never lost belief, even when New Zealand were surging: “I looked at the players on the field and saw their body language — they were so present and in the moment. They had such belief, and I’m incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved here in Italy.”