Pacific stars steer Baby Blacks to retain rugby championship title

New Zealand have successfully defended their title in the Under-20 Rugby Championships, winning a thrilling match against the hosts South Africa 48-45 in Gqeberha, formerly Port Elizabeth.

The victory allows the Kiwi side, often referred to as the Baby Blacks, to surpass their rivals, Australia, who secured second place after beating Argentina 40-36.

Both New Zealand and Australia finished the tournament with two wins and one draw, but New Zealand emerged as the champions based on points.

The match started tough for New Zealand, as they quickly found themselves trailing 19-0 in under 15 minutes after two early tries from South Africa. But the Kiwis rallied back to exchange tries with the hosts for the rest of the game, and eventually took the lead for the first time in the second half.

Notable performances included those of the side's Pacific stars, Harlyn Saunoa, who scored three tries, and Maloni Kunawave, who added two more to the scoreboard. Other try scorers for the Baby Blacks were Manumaua Letiu, Sika Pole, and Stanley Solomon, along with Will Cole, who successfully kicked four conversions.

The tide swung firmly in New Zealand’s direction shortly before halftime. An intercept by Kunawave thwarted an ominous South African surge.

The dying minutes of the match were particularly tense, as New Zealand were forced to play with 13 players after Caleb Woodley received a red card for a head clash and Randall Baker copped a yellow card for a penalty mishap.

Despite this disadvantage, the Baby Blacks' defence held firm, allowing them to secure the win and keep their championship title. There were 13 tries in the high-octane affair, none better than New Zealand’s seventh strike in the 52nd minute.

Replacement prop Dane “The Rock” Johnston busted after sleight of hand from Pole. New Zealand continued to take the ball to the line with superb shape and delightful handling by backs and forwards.

Stanley Solomon was on the end of a chain as enjoyable as the Fleetwood Mac banger.

With two minutes left, South Africa ventured inside New Zealand’s 22. A fumble allowed New Zealand to secure possession. Eliminating risk, New Zealand played a slow ‘keep ball.’

Eli Oudenryn was handled five times and was punished like a piñata. Even Jay Tamati’s last clearance wasn’t routine. The replacement halfback scuffed the ball towards New Zealand’s in-goal area. Thankfully, it dribbled out.

Baby Blacks captain Manumaua Letiu says, “I’m in awe, really, at how physical South Africa was. But we stayed in the fight; the next job mantra was the message. Great to finish it off.”

The New Zealand Under 20s are recognised as the senior age-grade side in the country, which formally replaced the Under 19 and 21 systems in 2008 when World Rugby merged the two age grades to a single tier structure.

Now considered one of the premier pathways to the Bunnings NPC, Super Rugby, and All Blacks selection, the Baby Blacks are recognised as one of the most successful sides.

New Zealand Under-20 against Argentina, thumped the Pumitas 75-21 last week. Photo/allblacks.com

The New Zealand Under 20s won the first four World Rugby U20 Championships between 2008 and 2011 before falling short in 2012, 2013, and 2014. The Baby Blacks won again in 2015 and 2017. New Zealand's six titles stand as the most by any nation, with England and France winning three each.

Looking ahead, the Junior World Cup is set to begin in Italy on 29 June, and the Baby Blacks kick off their campaign against Italy on 30 June.

New Zealand Under 20: 48 (Harlyn Saunoa 3, Manumaua Letiu, Maloni Kunawave 2, Sika Pole, Stanley Solomon tries; Will Coles 4 con)

South Africa Under 20: 45 (Albie Bester, Simphiwe Ngobese, Siphosethu Mnebelele, Gino Cupido, Wandile Mlaba 2, Penalty Try tries; Vusi Moyo 4 con) HT: 24-26