Baby Boks vs France: Can the Young Boks Go Back-to-Back? Allez? Nee Boet!
SA Firmly Behind the Baby Boks
South African rugby fans have every reason to be excited this weekend as the Baby Boks prepare to tackle France in the 2026 World Rugby U20 Championship Final in Tbilisi, Georgia.
One more win and the Junior Springboks will defend the world title they lifted in Italy last year. Lose, and we’ll have to spend the next few weeks listening to French rugby fans telling everyone about “le beautiful rugby.” No thanks, hey.
Kick-off is scheduled for 18:30 local time (16:30 SAST) on Saturday, 18 July, with England and New Zealand battling for third place beforehand.
It’s the first-ever Junior World Championship final between the reigning U20 Rugby Championship winners (South Africa) and the U20 Six Nations champions (France). If you’re a rugby fan, this is one you don’t want to miss.
Baby Boks Have Steamrolled Their Way to the Final
South Africa haven’t just won games. They’ve made a serious statement.
The campaign began with a ridiculous 104-7 demolition of Uruguay, where the Junior Boks crossed for 16 tries. It was one of those scorelines where the poor bloke updating the scoreboard probably needed a tea break halfway through.
They followed it up with a physical 33-5 victory over hosts Georgia, before overcoming an early scare against Wales to secure a 52-33 win and top Pool A.
The semi-final against England looked tricky at halftime.
Trailing 20-12, South Africa were under pressure before England flanker Seb Kelly received a red card after his yellow was upgraded for foul play following bunker review. The momentum shifted immediately and the Baby Boks pounced.
Five unanswered second-half tries including a brilliant hat-trick from Khuthadzo Rasivhaga powered South Africa to a convincing 53-37 victory.
England discovered the hard way what every Springbok supporter already knows…
Never give a South African forward pack extra motivation.
France Have Been Clinical
France haven’t produced the same scorelines as South Africa, but they’ve been incredibly efficient.
The French arrived in Georgia after completing a Grand Slam in the U20 Six Nations and remained unbeaten throughout the tournament.
A narrow 34-29 victory over Australia showed their composure under pressure before they edged New Zealand 26-22 in a gripping semi-final thanks to a late try from Adrien Drault.
This French side is organised, disciplined and rarely beats itself.
Sound familiar?
Players Who Could Decide the Final
South Africa:
Yaqeen Ahmed:
The talented flyhalf has controlled games beautifully and was outstanding against England, finishing with 23 points while pulling the strings in attack.
Khuthadzo Rasivhaga:
A hat-trick in a World Championship semi-final tells you everything you need to know. Give him half a gap and he’ll disappear quicker than free boerewors rolls at a club rugby braai.
Siphosethu Mnebelele:
The captain has led from the front all tournament, particularly at the lineout and driving maul.
Luan Giliomee:
South Africa are awaiting confirmation on his availability after his yellow card in the semi-final was upgraded to a red following bunker review. If suspended, it’ll be a blow, but the Baby Boks have shown impressive squad depth throughout the tournament.
France:
Adrien Drault:
The centre scored the match-winning try against New Zealand and has been one of France’s most dangerous attacking weapons.
French Forward Pack:
They might not grab the headlines, but they’ve laid the platform for every French victory this tournament.
Baby Boks vs France Betting odds
- South Africa to Win. 1.72
- France to Win. 2.10
- South Africa -5.5 Handicap. 1.95
- Total Points Over 48.5. 1.90
- Total Points Under 48.5. 1.90
- Both Teams to Score 20+ Points. 2.30
Odds are approximate at the time of writing and may vary between bookmakers. If you’re unsure about how odds work. Take the the time to read our guide explaining betting odds.
Best Bet for Baby Boks vs France
South Africa to Win @ 1.72
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Baby Boks have looked the more complete side throughout the tournament. Their pack has dominated almost every opponent, their bench has made a massive impact in every knockout game and they’ve shown they can recover from difficult situations.
Top 5 Bets for Baby Boks vs France
| Bet | Approx. Odds | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1. South Africa to Win | 1.72 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 |
| 2. South Africa -5.5 Handicap | 1.95 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 |
| 3. Khuthadzo Rasivhaga Anytime Tryscorer | 2.75 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 |
| 4. Total Match Points Over 48.5 | 1.90 | ⭐⭐⭐ 3/5 |
| 5. South Africa to Lead at Half-Time & Win | 2.30 | ⭐⭐⭐ 3/5 |
If you’re new to betting on rugby and are unsure about how rugby betting markets work. Take the time to read our Rugby betting strategy guide.
Baby Boks vs France Prediction
This has all the ingredients of a proper Test match.
France will try to slow the tempo, dominate territory and frustrate South Africa.
The Baby Boks, meanwhile, will back their physicality, explosive ball carriers and outstanding bench to wear France down during the final quarter. If the South African scrum gains the upper hand and Ahmed continues kicking goals like he’s playing in the back garden, it should be enough.
Besides…South Africans don’t exactly panic when finals come around. We’ve got a pretty decent history of lifting gold trophies while the rest of the world asks, “How do they keep doing this?”
Prediction: South Africa 29-21 France
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Brett is the newest member of the writing team at NoBull Betting. He is known for his insights into Rugby and Football. Brett is fan of the Sharks in local rugby and a Chelsea man at heart in the English Premier League. He is a keen cyclist and enjoys a round of golf on the weekends.