Junior Springboks set for intense U20 Rugby Championship opener against Argentina

The Junior Springboks are bracing for a physical challenge in their Under-20 Rugby Championship opener on Thursday against Argentina in Gqeberha.

After a successful week of training ahead of the clash in the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (4.10pm start), the South African Under-20s are looking forward to the challenge on home soil.

They aim to make their mark with a positive start in the southern-hemisphere junior tournament.

It’s the second edition of the competition after last year, when it was held in Australia and won by New Zealand.

Junior Bok coach Kevin Foote said the result against Argentina will come down to the scrums, lineouts and mauls.

“We know they will be physical, and playing for their country is a significant opportunity for them since they don’t get to play many games,” said Foote.

“Heading into the World Rugby Under-20 Championship, there will be a real hunger and desire from Argentina.

“They are very good when the ball gets loose, with exciting outside backs that are a real threat.

“We understand from our game management plan how we want to play – we aim to be direct, and match their physicality and passion.”

Captain Riley Norton emphasised the words of his coach, saying they would really back their set piece.

During last year’s tournament, the South Africans could only bag a two-point victory over the Junior Pumas, but they will look to deliver an improved performance, while making a statement to the rest of the sides.

Lock Norton said it will be up to the forwards to lay a foundation for their backline.

“The pace we have in the backline is very exciting. If the ball can go out wide, we have some exceptional players like Gino Cupido, who is tall, very quick, and can round defenders,” the Western Province star said.

“So, our strengths boil down to two things: our set-piece and our pace out wide, thanks to the talent of our outside backs.”

Foote and his assistant coaches will be able to see over the next few games how far the team’s preparation is ahead of the Under-20 Championship.

They know a few puzzle pieces must still fall into place, and the clashes against the Argentinians, New Zealanders and Wallabies will show them where to fit it in.

Junior Springbok Team

15 Gilermo Mentoe 14 Cheswill Jooste 13 Demitre Erasmus 12 Albie Bester 11 Gino Cupido 10 Kyle Smith 9 Haashim Pead 8 Wandile Mlaba 7 Matt Romao 6 Thando Biyela 5 JJ Theron 4 Riley Norton (captain) 3 Simphiwe Ngobese 2 Sethu Mnebelele 1 Oliver Reid.

Bench: 16 Juandré Schoeman 17 Ranon Fouché 18 JD Erasmus 19 Morné Venter 20 Batho Hlekani 21 Ceano Everson 22 Vusi Moyo 23 JC Mars.