Junior Boks clinch first Rugby Championship crown despite New Zealand fightback

The South Africans needed just one log point to secure the crown and got it early in the second half when Samuel Badenhorst crossed for their fourth try. The Junior Boks finished top of the standings on 13 points, with New Zealand second on eight.

Australia claimed third place after edging Argentina 32-30 earlier on Saturday, while Los Pumitas finished fourth. Both sides ended on seven points.

South Africa led 22-15 at halftime and appeared in control when Badenhorst's try stretched the advantage to 29-15 shortly after the restart. But New Zealand stormed back late to ensure a tense finish in front of a crowd of 18,138.

The Junior Boks made a strong start, with flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed opening the scoring through an early penalty. New Zealand responded quickly through prop Dane Johnston before fullback Akahluwa Boqwana finished a slick backline move to restore South Africa's lead.

The visitors hit back with tries from Ollie Guerin and captain Caleb Woodley to move 15-8 ahead midway through the first half.

South Africa responded through a rolling maul finished by prop Rambo Kubheka, with Ahmed levelling the scores at 15-15 after 30 minutes.

The momentum swung further in the hosts' favour when Boqwana grabbed his second try after impressive work from replacement Vusi Moyo, handing South Africa a 22-15 halftime lead.

The decisive moment arrived just a minute into the second half. Khuthadzo Rasivhaga's excellent take from a high ball sparked the attack that ended with Badenhorst scoring in the corner, while Ahmed converted to give the Junior Boks the bonus-point try they needed to clinch the title.

New Zealand refused to go away, however, with Finn McLeod scoring from a powerful maul to cut the deficit to seven points.

The visitors piled on pressure in the closing stages and eventually drew level when a penalty try was awarded after Jack Benade deliberately knocked the ball down near his own line with three minutes remaining.

A dramatic finale followed, but neither side could find a winner as the match ended all square - enough for the Junior Springboks to celebrate a historic championship triumph.

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