South Africa vs New Zealand U20 Predictions - South Africa set to beat rivals New Zealand in championship decider

Brad Newcomb

Editor

Last updated: 27 minutes ago

Brad Newcomb 27 minutes ago

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South Africa have won 7 straight games and are set to claim their first title.
New Zealand lost to Argentina recently.
South Africa are favoured to cover the handicap.

South Africa have an excellent record against New Zealand (Getty Images)

South Africa vs New Zealand U20 Predictions

South Africa vs New Zealand U20 Predictions
Head to Head
South Africa U20 Form
New Zealand U20 Form
Team News
Verdict

South Africa have been in excellent form lately and have one hand on the U20 Rugby Championship trophy. New Zealand fell to a shock defeat in their previous fixture and have historically struggled against South Africa at this level.

South Africa have won 7 consecutive fixtures in all competitions.
South Africa have won 7 of their last 9 matches against New Zealand.
New Zealand lost to South Africa by 8 points at last year's World Rugby U20 Championship final.

Head to Head

South Africa have the advantage with seven victories to one against New Zealand, including one draw in nine meetings.

South Africa lost 48-45 to New Zealand in last year's tournament, but then defeated New Zealand 23-15 in the final of the 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship.

South Africa U20 Form

South Africa secured their maiden U20 Rugby Championship title last weekend, thumping Australia 56-17 after leading 28-12 at half-time.

Before that, South Africa were too good for Argentina in their opening fixture, winning 48-21 after leading 36-0 at the break.

The Junior Boks are first in the 2026 U20 Rugby Championship table with ten points from two games.

South Africa have all but clinched their first title in this competition, and they will relish the opportunity to beat their rivals in front of their home fans, having recorded seven wins in their nine meetings with New Zealand.

New Zealand U20 Form

New Zealand succumbed to a shock defeat in their U20 Rugby Championship match against Argentina last weekend, losing 25-17 after trailing 15-12 at the break.

Before that disappointing result, New Zealand came from behind to beat Australia in their opening match, winning 34-29 after trailing 24-12 at the break.

New Zealand are second in the 2026 U20 Rugby Championship table with five points from two games.

New Zealand will be out to turn the tables on South Africa after their narrow defeat in the final of the 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship; however, they face a tough assignment, as the Junior Boks have been in fine form lately.

Team News

South Africa

Head coach Kevin Foote has stated that his team are looking beyond the trophy when taking on New Zealand: "Our objective on Saturday is about more than just the trophy – it’s about our growth and continuing the journey we’ve started with this group.

“These two teams have a history of producing memorable encounters when they meet, and it’s every South African rugby player’s dream to stand facing the haka and take on New Zealand.”

Jack Benade scored the opening try against Australia last weekend, taking his tally to four tries in the competition.

Ethan Adams also crossed the try-line, registering his third in this edition of the U20 Rugby Championship.

Yaqeen Ahmed slotted four conversions in the match and scored a try, securing his second in the championship.

Starting XV: ⁠Akahluwa Boqwana, Jack Benade, Samuel Badenhorst, Ethan Adams,⁠ Khuthadzo Rasivhaga, Yaqeen Ahmed, ⁠Hendré Schoeman, Kebotile Maake, Wasi Vyambwera, Luke Canon, Riley Norton (captain), Heinrich Theron, ⁠Danie Kruger, ⁠Liam van Wyk, Rambo Kubheka

Replacements: ⁠Mahle Sithole, Oliver Reid, Luan van der Berg, JD Hattingh, Risima Khosa, Jayden Brits, Vusi Moyo, Jade Muller

New Zealand

Haki Wiseman scored a try against Argentina last weekend, taking his tally to two in the 2026 U20 Rugby Championship.

JD van der Westhuizen and Finn McLeod scored a try each in the match.

Cohen Norrie landed one conversion.

Starting XV: Cohen Norrie, Oliver Guerin, Siale Pahulu, Haki Wiseman, Logan Williams, Mika Muliaina, Charlie Sinton, Patrick Mauga, Caleb Woodley, Finn McLeod, Jake Frost, Max Fale, Dane Johnston, Josh Findlay, Henry Stuart

Replacements: Jericho Wharehinga, Ethan Webber, Alexander Hewitt, Johnny Falloon, Micah Fale, Jackson Hughan, David Lewai, Kobe Brownlee