South Africa proceed to semi-final despite incredible try denied

South Africa u20s have succeeded in beating Argentina in their final group stage match of the 2023 World Rugby U20 Championship. The victory was an important one for the hosts after losing to Italy in their previous match.

This hard-fought win has allowed the young side to proceed through to the all-important semi-finals where they will take their place against an impressive Ireland side that topped their group. It was not an easy ride for the Baby Boks, however, as they found themselves constantly playing catch-up in the first half. A confident display from the Argentinians indicated a serious uphill battle ahead for a South African side that looked unlikely to repay the hopes of the home fans.

“They’re over! They are over!”

🇦🇷 are in the ascendancy against South Africa in the final clash of the day#WorldRugbyU20s pic.twitter.com/Ig5ioB9D4T

— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) July 4, 2023

In what must have been a rousing halftime speech, the Cape Town stadium saw a totally different Baby Bok side emerge from the tunnel for the second half – one full of fire and determination to deliver the result that the fans required. Playing with the speed and velocity of a team on a mission, the home side returned a 9-point deficit with interest to win the match 24-16 – keeping Argentina scoreless in the second half.

Those home crowd celebrations! #WorldRugbyU20s pic.twitter.com/CJNZcQvKN8

— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) July 4, 2023

The impressive nature of the South African comeback could have been reflected even more so if this incredible try had been awarded:

One of the greatest non-tries you will ever see 😭

A foot on the line costs @Springboks after an incredible move#WorldRugbyU20s pic.twitter.com/6NgXbDDspw

— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) July 4, 2023

On the other side of the final four, current title holders France will look to assert dominance over an England side that had to rely on points difference to make it this far.

🏆 Who wins the #WorldRugbyU20s title from here? pic.twitter.com/x3wrJPyA9w

— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) July 4, 2023