Junior Springboks overpower Fiji

MATCH REPORT: The Junior Springboks made a solid start to their title hunt with a compelling 57-7 victory over Fiji.

Star centre Jurenzo Julius was responsible for two of eight tries scored on the night at the Cape Town Stadium in a bruising and physical encounter.

This has been the first time in 13 years that these sides have met at junior level.

Julius opened South Africa’s try-scoring account ten minutes into the match – converted by Liam Koen.

There were also tries for Michail Koen and Joel Leotela before Julius grabbed his second score of the night before half-time to secure the bonus point.

Julius was on the receiving end of a yellow card for a dangerous tackle on Fiji hooker Moses Armstrong-Ravula as the half-time siren sounded.

This didn’t affect the home side at all as hooker Luca Bakkes dotted down for South Africa’s fifth try.

Fiji never stopped fighting and was rewarded for their determination when prop Anare Caginavanua forced his way over the line for Fiji’s only score of the match.

They were also on the receiving end of a yellow card when replacement loose forward Ratu Nemani Kurucake found himself in hot water for a dangerous tackle in the 64th minute.

Fiji defended well up until that point and moments later loose forward Sibabalwe Mahashe dotted down under the posts.

Mahashe had a great assist as well as he charged forward and brushed defenders off and got his offload away to Likhona Finca for try No.7.

Asad Moos had the final say six minutes before full-time when he dotted down in the corner for a stunning opening victory.

South Africa v Fiji, 57-7

Scorers:

For South Africa:
Tries: Finca, Moos, Leotlela, Bakkes, Mahashe, Damon, Julius 2
Pens: Koen
Cons: Koen 5, Sefoor 2

For Fiji:
Tries: Anare Caginavanua
Cons: Bogidrau Kikau

Teams:

South Africa: 15 Michail Damon, 14 Joel Leotlela, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Joshua Boulle, 11 Litelihle Bester, 10 Liam Koen, 9 Asad Moos, 8 Tiaan Jacobs, 7 Thabang Mphafi, 6 Sibabalwe Mahashe, 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Bathobele Hlekani, 3 Zachary Porthen (captain), 2 Luca Bakkes, 1 Ruan Swart.
Replacements: 16 Juan Smal, 17 Liyema Ntshanga, 18 Casper Badenhorst, 19 Keanu Coetsee, 20 Divan Fuller, 21 Ezekiel Ngobeni, 22 Tylor Sefoor, 23 Likhona Finca.

Fiji: 15 Isikeli Basiyalo, 14 Waisake Salabiau, 13 Sivaniolo Kalaveti, 12 Ratu Isikeli Rabitu, 11 Avakuki Niusalelekitoga, 10 Bogidrau Kikau, 9 Aisea Nawai, 8 Simon Koroiyadi, 7 Ronald Sharma, 6 Ebernezer Tuidraki, 5 Nalani May (captain), 4 Iliesa Erenavula, 3 Breyton Legge, 2 Moses Armstrong-Ravula, 1 Anare Caginavanua.
Replacements: 16 Joshua Uluibau, 17 Mataiasi Tuisireli, 18 Luke Nasau, 19 Malakai Masi, 20 Ratu Nemani Kurucake, 21 Pauliasi Korobiau, 22 Ponipate Tuberi, 23 Joseva Ubitau.

Referee: Neheun Jauri Rivero
Assistant referees: Reuben Keane, Stephan Geldenhuys
TMO: Damon Murphy

Beauty from the Baby Boks 🤩

The hosts are running riot in Cape Town 🇿🇦#WorldRugbyU20s | #RSAvFIJ | @SAJuniorRugby pic.twitter.com/WJmApgtKWo

— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) June 29, 2024