“We Always Find Ways To Unite” — Stick Relies On Junior Boks To Lift SA After Tragic Passing Of Adams And ‘Bibo’

Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick believes the Junior Springboks have once again given South Africans something to rally behind as they prepare to face France in the World Rugby U20 Championship final on Saturday evening.

With the country mourning the recent passing of footballer Jayden Adams and 20-year-old Luqobo “Bibo” Makwedini, Stick reflected on sport’s unique ability to unite South Africans during difficult times.

“I think that’s one thing about our country,” Stick said.

“I know the past week or two, with the loss of a guy like ‘Grootman’ Jayden Adams from football and then Luqobo ‘Bibo’ Makwedini, a 20-year-old, we’ve gone through tough times.

“As a nation, to have the Junior Boks playing back-to-back finals, and having watched them play against England, which wasn’t easy for them, it was a tough game for them to make it to the final.

“As a nation, even through tough times, we always find ways to unite. The Junior Boks are putting our country in a better place. Everyone is excited about what they’re going to do,” added Stick.

“To the two gentlemen that I’ve mentioned, condolences to their families. A 20-year-old and a guy like Jayden, who you can see was just a good human being. So I know it’s a tough time for their families, but we are with them.”

The Junior Boks head into Saturday’s showpiece looking to defend the World Rugby U20 Championship crown they won in 2025, when they defeated New Zealand 23-15 in the final in Rovigo, Italy, to lift the trophy for the first time since 2012.

South Africa’s title-winning campaign last year was built on an unbeaten run throughout the tournament. They opened with a commanding 73-17 victory over Australia before defeating England 32-22 in a fiercely contested encounter. Another emphatic display followed as they thrashed Scotland 73-14 to finish top of their pool.

In the semi-finals, the Junior Boks overcame Argentina 48-24 after weathering a spirited comeback from Los Pumitas to book their place in the final against New Zealand.

There, a composed performance saw South Africa secure a memorable 23-15 victory and end a 13-year wait for world championship glory.

This year’s campaign has been equally impressive. The Junior Boks once again topped their pool before overcoming a resilient England side in a hard-fought semi-final to reach a second consecutive final, where France stand between them and back-to-back world titles.

Victory would see South Africa successfully defend the World Rugby U20 Championship for the first time and further cement this generation’s place among the country’s finest junior teams.

The final kicks off at 18:30 (SA time) at Mikheil Meskhi Stadium in Tbilisi, Georgia.