The Junior Springboks produced a ruthless first-half display to thrash Argentina in the U20 Rugby Championship in Gqeberha on Monday.
South Africa won 48-21 after leading 36-0 at half-time having scored six first-half tries.
However, in a scrappy second half, the Junior Boks could only add two more tries, while Los Pumitas scored three late converted tries to add respectability to the scoreline.
The Junior Boks were on the front foot from the off and barely two minutes in, centre and Man of the Match Ethan Adams powered through a clutch of defenders to score.
Minutes later, scrumhalf Hendré Schoeman burrowed over from close range as the Junior Boks went 12-0 up.
Yaqeen Ahmed
He dances his way through Argentina’s defence
Stream #TRCU20 on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/m28u7sM99C
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) April 27, 2026
Flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed then turned on the magic, first producing a searing break from 35m out to score, and then landing a pinpoint cross-kick for right wing Jack Benade to dot down.
KEO: Good enough is old enough
The Junior Boks were 24-0 up with 20 minutes on the clock in front of an appreciative public-holiday crowd of 11,000 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Power. Pace. Precision
The Junior Boks are on fire
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) April 27, 2026
Adams and Benade then both scored their second tries as the Junior Boks threatened to run amok.
However, the second half was more of an arm wrestle and it took South Africa and charging substitute prop Oliver Reed until the 51st minute to breach the defence again.
SA CUP: Griquas stay unbeaten, Valke stun Cheetahs
Soon after, the Junior Boks were in again as Benade went over for his hat-trick as the score ballooned to 48-0.
The match then became scrappy as both teams made numerous unforced errors.
Argentina finally got on the scoreboard just after the hour mark when Federico Torre crossed after sustained pressure and Manuel Giannantonio added the extras.
There was more late cheer for Los Pumitas as Tomás Dande and Torre went over.
DOBBO: Mchunu’s pushing for higher honours
In the earlier match, New Zealand overcame a 24-12 deficit to beat Australia 34-29 in a thriller.
Australia were reduced to 13 men in the second half and the Baby Blacks took full advantage to run in three tries in quick succession.
The second double-header takes place on Sunday, when South Africa face Australia and New Zealand take on Argentina.
JUNIOR BOKS – Tries: Ethan Adams (2), Hendré Schoeman, Yaqeen Ahmed, Jack Benade (3), Oliver Reed. Conversions: Yaqeen Ahmed (4).
ARGENTINA U20 – Tries: Federico Torre (2), Tomás Dande. Conversions: Manuel Giannantonio (3).
U20 Rugby Championship fixtures
Sunday, 3 May
New Zealand vs Argentina (2pm)
South Africa vs Australia (4:10pm)
Saturday, 9 May
Argentina vs Australia (2pm)
South Africa vs New Zealand (4:10pm)
Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images
The post Junior Boks’ blitz stuns Los Pumitas appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
