The Junior All Blacks they win the first edition of Rugby Championship Under 20played over three days in Gold Coast (Australia). The tournament proposes again, as in Six Nations, the rivalry between the big four of the Southern hemisphere also at Under 20 level. It serves to better prepare for the category World Cup, which has been won by France and therefore by the Northern hemisphere for three editions. In 2024, for the second consecutive year, it will be held in South Africa between the end of June and the first half of July.
New Zealand is the only one undefeated
New Zealand’s youngsters are the only ones to have finished the tournament undefeated. After the initial draw in the rain against the Springboks Junior they overwhelm the Pumitas by six tries (43-20) and on the last day they defeat Australia with some suffering. Down 19-13 in the 53rd minute, the baby Wallabies took advantage of a yellow card to right wing King Maxwell for a fortuitous clash and came back to 19-25 with two tries from left wing Harry McLaughling Phillips, already with 6 appearances in the Pacifc Super Rugby with the Reds. Having returned to numerical parity, the New Zealanders took just two minutes (65′) to regain the lead 25-26 with the goal of third row Johnny Lee, captain of the Crusaders Under 20. Then they extended their lead despite another yellow card and the ability of Australia to create actions, but not finalized in their destination.
Australia good game, Boks second, Lipstick poker
Australia, which despite finishing in last place, impressed with its ability to produce play and managed to win a 24-19 victory over South Africa, favored by a red card in the 19th minute to Mabasa Maqubela for an illegal cleaning in the ruck. The Springboks finished in second place thanks to a narrow 30-28 win over Argentina on the final day. A victory of character, coming down to the last action after a comeback from 7-21, the result with which the first half ended. The Argentine left winger performed amazingly Franco Rossetto, of clear Italian origins as half of the team, author of all four goals for the Pumitas. The last one gives Argentina a 28-27 lead until the end, when a kick from Albert Van Niekerk gives victory and second place to the Baby Boks. The Argentinians finish third with the victory over the Wallabies and the double bonus point.
Results
Matchday 1: South Africa-New Zealand 13-13, Argentina-Australia 25-6
Matchday 2: Australia-South Africa 24-19, New Zealand-Argentina 43-20
3rd day: South Africa-Argentina 30-28, New Zealand-Australia 36-25
Classification
11 New Zealand
7 South Africa
6 Argentina
4 Australia
