South Africa defeated Australia 24-20 to win the under-21 Rugby World Championship on Saturday, fending off a late challenge by the Australians. South Africa dominated most of the way but nearly threw its advantage away in the final minutes when Australia pressed near the tryline.
South Africa held off defending champion New Zealand 16-12 on Tuesday and will play Australia in the weekend final of the world under-21 rugby championship. Australia defeated France 28-16 in the other semifinal. South Africa controlled the ball early and Cedrik McKize broke through the centres to score a 19th-minute converted try.
The South African Under-21 team scored a runaway victory in their opening encounter against Italy at the International Rugby Board Under-21 World Championships in Argentina on Thursday. The South Africans romped to a 83-3 win at the Miresta Rugby Club, after leading 35-3 at half-time.