Junior Boks pleased with defensive efforts heading into Final

REACTION: Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote and captain Riley Norton credited their hard work and defence after the South Africans beat Argentina in Viadana on Monday night to book their place in Saturday’s World Rugby Under-20 Championship Final against New Zealand.

The Junior Boks scored six tries to three in their 48-24 semifinal victory – four of those in the first half for a 28-10 lead at the break

South Africa were made to work hard on defence in the second period by a resolute Argentina, who came storming back through their forwards and a rampant rolling maul.

The Junior Boks quickly raced into a 28-3 lead and looked to be in full control of the match, but Argentina dug in and gave themselves hope just before half-time with their first try.

The Pumitas then cut the deficit to 11 points (28-17) with a second try, but the South Africans hit back with two penalty goals by flyhalf Vusi Moyo before Albie Bester scored his second try.

Although Argentina scored a third try, Junior Bok Cheswill Jooste went over after the buzzer to seal the victory, which booked South Africa a spot in the championship Final for the first time since 2014.

Speaking after the game, Foote credited the team’s fighting spirit during that period in the second half when Argentina threatened.

“Every player gave his all, leading exceptionally well in his respective position,” said Foote.

“Their collective effort is a testament to their hard work and alignment, with the leadership group setting the tone.

“I believe they are a truly humble group, and we’re well aware of how much effort we’ve put in leading up to this tournament.

“It was a very tough and physical match, and the conditions were extremely challenging with the humidity, but I must give credit to our players for their performance.

“They were rewarded for their hard work against a strong Argentinian side.”

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Norton echoed his coach’s sentiment on their defensive effort, which proved the big difference in the end: “I think our defence has improved tremendously from the Rugby Championship. We’ve had valuable time together during that tournament, and we’re working on it more coming into this event in Italy.

“I am just so incredibly proud of the team for an outstanding effort against a tough opponent,” said Norton, adding that they knew what Argentina would bring to the contest.

“We know Argentina get their energy from their set piece,” he said.

“They are a great mauling side, so when they get on top of you, you just have to manage it and keep on fighting.

“The players just stayed in the fight and focused on the next job, and that’s why we could defend for such a long period.”

The tournament is played in hot and challenging summer conditions in Italy, which, according to Foote, requires careful planning.

“The bus trip to get to the game takes two hours, and we finished our captains’ run at around 10 am the previous day, so it boils down to getting your preparation right,” said Foote.

“We found a little base close to the stadium where we could relax before the game, and the guys didn’t have to worry about getting stuck in traffic or other things which might have been out of our control.

“Zingi Hela, our team manager, and the backroom staff have been outstanding with that preparation.

“Even sitting in the coach’s box tonight, our hands were sweating; I must give credit to our handling skills of the ball under very taxing conditions.”