The Junior Springboks delivered when it mattered most, dismantling England in the U20 World Championship semi-final through a performance built on clinical finishing, powerful carrying and relentless work rate.Claiming a 53-37 win. Here’s how each player rated in a match that booked South Africa’s ticket to the final.

Star performers lead the charge

Khuthadzo Rasivhaga (11) – 9/10

The standout performer on the night, Rasivhaga was utterly clinical when opportunities presented themselves. His hat-trick showcased the finishing prowess. The try from Ahmed’s cross-kick demonstrated perfect positioning and hands, whilst his second was finished with composure. This was a winger operating at the peak of his powers when the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Luan Giliomee (15) – 8/10

Solid under the high ball with excellent decision-making throughout, Giliomee created Rasivhaga’s second try with intelligent playmaking. However, his yellow card which became red was entirely unnecessary and could have derailed the Junior Boks’ campaign. Credit to his teammates for holding firm during his absence, but at this level, discipline cannot be compromised.

Yaqeen Ahmed (10) – 8/10

Made a few handling errors that will frustrate him upon review, but delivered when it counted most. His cross-kick for Rasivhaga’s opener was perfectly weighted, showcasing the game management and vision expected from a quality flyhalf. Took the ball to the line effectively and enjoyed a productive day with the boot. The errors were concerning, but the big moments belonged to him.

Kebotile Maake (6) – 8/10

A powerhouse performance from the flanker who scored two tries, including one running in the wider channels that demonstrated his attacking versatility. Ran hard all night, made his tackles, and epitomised the Junior Boks’ ferocious work rate. This is what modern flankers must deliver, breakdown dominance married to genuine try-scoring threat.

Solid contributors across the park

Ethan Adams (12) – 7/10

The offload to Maake for his second try encapsulated Adams’ value, a player who makes things happen for teammates. Made consistent metres with his carries and did valuable work at the breakdown. Precisely the kind of centre performance that wins semi-finals.

Hendré Schoeman (9) – 7/10

Provided snappy service to Ahmed throughout, keeping the Junior Boks on the front foot and maintaining tempo when it mattered. Did exactly what was required from his scrumhalf without anything flashy.

Luke Cannon (7) – 7/10

An excellent option in the lineouts who carried well and thoroughly deserved his try. Delivered the grunt work in tight exchanges whilst offering genuine attacking threat.

JD Hattingh (5) – 7/10

A strong presence in lineouts and at breakdowns, providing the engine room stability required in knockout rugby.

Heinrich Theron (4) – 7/10

Did his job at lineout time, offered an extra pair of hands in wider channels, and brought physicality to the rucks. Solid without spectacular.

Gert Kemp (8) – 7/10

Hit the rucks effectively and played intelligent support lines throughout. Exactly what you want from your number eight.

Siphosethu Mnebelele (2) – 7/10

Wily at the breakdown with solid tackling and accurate lineout throwing. Ticked all the boxes for hooker fundamentals.

Markus Muller (13) – 7/10

Struggled to hold the ball or find space in attack, which will disappoint given his quality. Made some metres when ball in hand but didn’t see enough of it. Delivered a decent defensive performance when required.

Cheswill Jooste (14) – 7/10

Dangerous in the wider channels throughout but will rue the missed tackle at the end that allowed England to score. That moment aside, a solid contribution.

Areas requiring improvement

Danie Kruger (3) – 6/10

Got put on the back foot in scrums on occasion and conceded a scrum penalty that invited pressure. Made a few big tackles but needs to carry more frequently or hit more rucks.

Oliver Reid (1) – 6/10

Won a scrum penalty and showed wiliness at the breakdown, but like Kruger, the scrum battle wasn’t comprehensively won. At this level, forward dominance begins with set-piece supremacy.

Bench impact mixed

Rambo Kubheka (17) – 7/10

The standout replacement, putting England under immediate scrum pressure upon arrival in the 50th minute. Made quality tackles around the fringes and valuable metres with ball in hand. Exactly the kind of impact Foote demanded from his 6-2 bench split.

Risima Khosa (21) – 7/10

Effective at the breakdown for the Junior Boks, bringing fresh legs and intensity to the collision areas.

Liam van Wyk (16) – 5/10

Decent in lineouts but conceded a penalty and didn’t see enough ball to make a significant impact despite making metres when carrying.

Luan van der Berg (18) – 6/10

Brought the required grunt in scrums during the latter stages without doing anything spectacular.

Jaythen Orange (19) – 6/10

Made an impact at the breakdown and closed the game effectively without dominating.

Thomas Beling (20) – 6/10

Had a handful of carries without doing anything wrong, but equally didn’t stamp authority on proceedings.

Jayden Brits (22) – 6/10

Provided decent service but got smothered around the fringes when searching for space.

Alzeadon Felix (23)

Only on the field for ten minutes, insufficient time to rate fairly.

Full match report available in KickOff.com