What time is kick off for the Junior Springboks’ JWC final?
· The South African
The Junior Springboks claimed an entertaining win over England on Monday to progress to the 2026 Junior World Championship final, where they will face France in hopes of defending their title.
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It will be the first meeting in a final between the sides, with South Africa aiming to go back-to-back for the first time, and France seeking a fourth title and first since 2023.
The final between the Junior Springboks and France will take place at Mikheil Meskhi Stadium and kick off is at 18:30 (SA time) on Saturday.
France needed a 76th-minute winning try from centre Adrien Drault to beat New Zealand 26-22 in the first semi-final at Avchala Stadium, avenging their defeat at the same stage last year.
South Africa had trailed 17-7 after 30 minutes against England, but seized on a man advantage after a permanent red card for England flanker Seb Kelly to cut loose with winger Khuthadzo Rasivhaga claiming a hat-trick of tries in a 53-37 victory.
Junior Springboks set sights on kick off against France
The Junior Boks now turn their attention to France, who arrive in the final as Six Nations champions – a fact not lost on South Africa coach Kevin Foote.
“France have been outstanding,” he said. “Against New Zealand they worked hard, stayed in the fight right until the end and showed tremendous spirit. They’re also the Six Nations champions, so we know they’re going to be a huge challenge.
“For us, it’s about recovering well, enjoying the opportunity to spend another week together as a group, and then looking forward to the final.”
Lessons learned from hard-fought battle against England
Foote said the key message at half-time was for the team to remain calm, stick to their structures and continue building pressure.
“The bench made a massive contribution,” added Foote.
“We’ve spoken throughout the tournament about the importance of the entire squad. Some players have had to wait patiently for their opportunities, but when they come on, they make a real impact.
“We have a very talented squad with great depth, and we are fortunate to be working with a group that has that quality. When the replacements come on, they really lift the team.”