The Junior Springboks made a powerful statement in their opening match of the Junior World Championship, recording a resounding victory over Uruguay in Tbilisi in Georgia to launch their campaign in emphatic fashion on Saturday.
After an extended build-up to the tournament, SA U20 head coach Kevin Foote expressed satisfaction with both the 104-7 victory and the way his side approached the encounter. “It’s awesome to finally get going after a long period of preparation,” said Foote. “The players showed great intent from the start, and it’s pleasing to begin the tournament with a strong performance.”
The SA U20s led 50-0 at the halfway mark and conceded their only try after the final hooter had sounded. They scored 16 tries – including a penalty try – in the process, with Jordan Steenkamp (wing) and Risima Khosa (flanker) bagging hattricks of tries in what was a great team effort against the South Americans.
Although the scoreline reflected the Junior Boks’ dominance, Foote was quick to acknowledge the challenge posed by a spirited Uruguay side, particularly in the contact areas and set pieces. “Uruguay were very competitive at the breakdown and also challenged us in the lineouts,” he said. “The conditions weren’t easy with the wind, but I thought we adapted well, kept the ball in hand and played with good energy and purpose.”
The SA U20s delivered a clinical attacking display, running in tries at regular intervals, while also showing glimpses of the cohesion and intensity that Foote and his management team have worked to build during the preparation phase. Foote highlighted the importance of a collective team effort, while also noting the positive impact of individual performances across the squad: “There were plenty of strong performances and a number of players really put their hands up for selection. That’s exactly what you want in a competition like this, where the whole squad will be needed.”
Despite the heavy defeat, Uruguay continued to compete until the final whistle and were rewarded with a late try, something Foote felt spoke volumes about their character. “Full credit to Uruguay for finishing the game the way they did,” he added. “Scoring at the end shows their determination and spirit, and that’s something we expected from them.”
With a demanding pool stage ahead, Foote indicated that squad rotation will be key as South Africa look to build consistency and manage player workload over the course of the tournament.
“That’s the nature of a World Championship,” he said. “We have a very good squad, and we’ll give other players opportunities in the next game. The focus is on continuing to build and improve.”
The Junior Boks now turn their attention to their next assignment against hosts Georgia, who narrowly lost their opening fixture against Wales (25-24) and are expected to come out firing in front of a passionate home crowd.
“You can feel the energy and passion in Georgia already,” said Foote. “They’ll be hurting after that loss and will come back strongly. We know they’ll bring a big physical challenge, so we’ll need to be ready for that.”
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