South Africa’s Junior Boks opened their title defence with a dominant 104-7 victory over Uruguay, matching their longest winning run at the tournament.
Tbilisi, Georgia (29 June 2026) – The Junior Springboks could not have asked for a better start to their title defence, running in 16 tries to crush Uruguay 104-7 in their opening match of the 2026 World Rugby U20 Championship.
The defending champions wasted little time settling into the tournament and quickly turned the contest into a showcase of attacking rugby, extending their winning streak at the championship to seven matches. This equals their best run at the tournament, first achieved between the 2012 and 2013 editions.
After a slightly scrappy opening, the South Africans found their rhythm through Markus Muller, who crossed for the first try after a quick-tap penalty. Jordan Steenkamp soon added another before a penalty try, and Risima Khosa’s first score gave the Junior Boks firm control of the contest.
Uruguay enjoyed periods of possession and tested the South African defence, but the Junior Boks stood firm before immediately punishing their opponents once they regained the ball.
There was no let-up after half-time. The Junior Boks’ replacements made an immediate impact, with Cheswill Jooste, Jayden Brits and Siphosethu Mnebelele all getting on the scoresheet as South Africa continued to pile on the points.
Khosa completed his hat-trick with two more tries in quick succession, while Steenkamp matched the feat later in the second half by collecting his third try of the evening. Uruguay managed a late consolation try, but it did little to take the shine off an emphatic South African performance that laid down an early marker to the rest of the competition.
The victory gives the Junior Springboks plenty of momentum as they continue their quest to successfully defend the world title they reclaimed last year in Italy.
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