Baby Boks fully focused on prize
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A well-prepared Junior Springboks squad head to New Zealand in preparation for their first match against Scotland.
South Africa won the Junior World Cup for the first time in 2012 on home soil.
Junior Boks coach, Dawie Theron, had his training squad together for more than a month in Stellenbosch and he is confident his squad is well-prepared for the daunting task.
Theron, now in charge of his fourth Junior Bok squad at the JWC, said the time spent together at their camp in Stellenbosch had forged the SA Under 20s into a tight unit.
“Our boys have a great team spirit and they are definitely looking forward to playing in New Zealand,” explains Theron.
The Junior Boks’ preparations included a 3-0 series win over Argentina Under 20s, but Theron added his team will not take anything for granted
“Our previous performances at the tournament have taught us many valuable lessons.
"This is an extremely tough tournament to win.
"To be successful, you must be on top of your game in each match and give 100 per cent.
"You also need a bit of luck with injuries, because the turnaround time in between games is very tight.
"It also helps if you have some degree of experience in your team because those players will calm the others around them because they know what to expect,” explains the SA U20 coach.
South Africa are drawn in a tough group alongside Scotland, New Zealand and Samoa.
“Right now, we regard our opening match against Scotland as the most challenging clash,” cautioned Theron.
“The tournament format is tough on you if you lose, so our initial focus will be on the match against the Scots.
"We are in no way underestimating Scotland or Samoa.
"That said we know that facing New Zealand in their back yard in front of their fans and in familiar conditions, will be an extremely big challenge.
"But we will be looking to build a good foundation in our first match.”
Baby Boks JWC Squad:
Cyle Brink, Aidon Davis, Jean-Luc du Plessis, Jean-Luc du Preez, Thomas du Toit, Joseph Dweba, Corniel Els, André Esterhuizen, Warrick Gelant, Lloyd Greeff, Dan Kriel, Jesse Kriel, Wilco Louw, Thabo Mabuza, Malcolm Marx, Rohan Janse van Rensburg, Mthokozisi Mkhabela, Ngobisizwe Mxoli, Abongile Nonkontwana, Sergeal Petersen, Handrè Pollard, JD Schickerling, Pierre Schoeman, Victor Sekekete, Justin Smith, Dayan van der Westhuizen, Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg, Jacques Vermeulen.
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