Junior Boks wary of physical Samoa

 

The clash at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi Stadium is the second Pool B outing for South Africa following their 33-5 defeat of Italy on Tuesday in Calvisano.

 

On Wednesday Junior Boks, coach Dawie Theron, opted for an early evening training session at the Zebre Club fields in Parma instead of the usual late afternoon field workout.

 

Theron and his two assistant coaches, Dean Davids (forwards) and Nazeem Adams (backs) have been working hard to prepare the team’s tactical approach for the expected physical encounter against the Pacific Islanders.

 

The two teams also clashed at the same stage last year in New Zealand last year, with South Africa eventually winning 21-8 after a very physical match played in driving rain in Pukehoke.

 

On Tuesday Samoa suffered a 22-34 reverse against Australia on matchday one but Theron nevertheless expects a strong, fiery performance from Samoa against his team.

 

The SA U20 coach was not happy with many aspects of the Junior Bok performance against Italy, but believes his team will play better in their second match.

 

"Italy had a good kicking game and they played with a lot of determination in front of their supporters, which we expected. Samoa will bring a different challenge and we will have to be patient and more clinical at the breakdown," explained Theron.

 

The South Africans have so far only conceded five points – the best defensive effort of the 12 teams – and their coach again emphasized the importance of good defense. Only the three pool winners and best second placed team will go through to the semifinals.

 

"We have a very competitive pool and good defense is therefore vital. We made too many handling mistakes against Italy and that is something we cannot afford again because Samoa have the ability to hurt you from turnovers," cautioned Theron.

 

His squad will finish their match preparations with the captain’s Run in Parma tomorrow evening and the match-23 to play against Samoa will be confirmed on Friday.