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Daily Maverick
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
Lessons learned: Junior Springboks eye redemption following narrow losses in Rugby Championship U20
The South Africa under-20 rugby side have failed at the annual southern hemisphere tournament again, this time on home soil. The Junior Springboks' tightly contested and highly entertaining 48-45 loss to the Baby Blacks on Sunday means they ended the Rugby Championship U20 in third place, behind Champions New Zealand and Australia. It's the second consecutive loss the Junior Boks suffered, having lost 29-24 to the Junior Wallabies five days earlier. In the opening round they had to come from behind to beat Argentina 36-25 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, where all the matches in the competition took place. Last year the Junior Boks finished second, when the inaugural tournament was held in the Sunshine Coast in Australia. They were also beaten by Australia then while drawing with New Zealand and beating Argentina. Both of South Africa's defeats this year came after initially opening up a substantial lead and then allowing the Australasian sides back into the contest. Against Australia, the Junior Boks held a 17-0 lead shortly after halftime before the Junior Wallabies clawed their way back. Similarly, South Africa scored three tries in the first 15 minutes to take a 19-0 lead against New Zealand only to see the deficit reduced to two points by halftime as the home team led 26-24. While the Junior Springboks' results have disappointed home supporters who have seen this edition of the team run out for the first time over the past two weeks, head coach Kevin Foote has said the Rugby Championship U20 was just part of the journey. The destination is the Under-20 World Championship, which gets under way at the end of June in Italy. 'There are a lot of positives to take from that performance,' Foote said. 'We are on a massive journey together and I only met (captain) Riley Norton and the guys back in November, so we are definitely working hard on our game model and principles, which everyone understands now. 'From a character and leadership perspective, we are in a good place, and the lessons we learnt will be of huge benefit as we approach the U20 Championship next month in Italy.' High scoring The Junior Springboks were entertaining with ball in hand, scoring 14 tries across the three matches with Foote crediting young attack coach Melusi Mthethwa. South Africa's set piece got better as the tournament went on, but soft shoulders in defence let in more points than scored. 'I think Melusi [Mthethwa] has done a great job in terms of our attack, and I really feel that the players have clarity on how we want to play,' Foote said. 'We played some exciting and brilliant attacking rugby during the tournament, and just to hear the crowd get behind us when we started to light it up was exceptional. 'We know we are not the finished product, and we know we have a lot of work to do, but I do think our attack has come a long way and the guys are loving the way we are attacking.' Enforcer lock and captain of the junior side Riley Norton, like Foote, sees the tournament as a stepping-stone for the Under-20 World Championships. 'To have played these high-pressure games against such quality opposition before the World Champs is going to be vital for us,' he said. 'The lessons we learnt, the connections and relationships we have managed to build, not only on the field but off-field as well, and the trust we managed to create, are extremely important to us.' In order to ensure the players remain sharp and in top condition in the 50 days before the World Championship kicks off, Foote will be sending a number of players back to their unions to play in the ongoing Under-21 Cup competition. 'We will take it case by case, but some players will go back to their provinces to play in the U21 competition,' he said. 'It's a strong competition and the players are well coached there, and we are keen for them to keep going. There will be some whose load we will have to manage, but we will do our medicals and take it case by case.' The last time South Africa won the Junior World Championship was more than a decade ago in 2014, and they have only made the final four twice in the 11 years since. Last year, a strong Junior Boks side finished fifth overall. With a new coaching structure this year and the second year of the Under-20 Rugby Championship, more is expected from the national junior side. DM
The South African
06-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Junior Springboks lose to Australia, All Blacks thrash Pumas
Australia Under-20 overturned a 17 point deficit in a tactically astute second half performance to beat the Junior Springboks by 29-24 in their second round Rugby Championship U20 match on Tuesday at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha. In what was a game of two halves, the Aussies did very well to dominate the territorial game after the break as they grew in confidence, while the Junior Boks failed to capitalise on their opportunities, especially in the first half. The Junior Boks, who led by 14-0 at the break, started like a house on fire, with Xola Nyali (flanker) scoring a maul try in the third minute. Vusi Moyo (flyhalf) converted from the sideline to give the hosts a 7-0. The Australians were under pressure in the scrums and lineouts, while the Junior Springboks ran with intent and put in some big hits when their opponents had the ball, but they made silly mistakes and failed to turn this into points, allowing the men in gold to work their way back into the game. Australia capitalised from a few lineout throws that weren't straight and turned over possession on the ground a few times, but the Junior Boks' defence held firm, keeping the pressure on their opponents. This pressure finally reaped rewards as Siya Ndlozi (wing) scored an intercept try just before the half-hour mark, showing great pace to beat the cover defence. Moyo converted and 14-0 was a fair reflection of play at that stage. The Junior Boks' scrum ascendancy continued to such an extent that Australia lost Trevor King (prop) to the sin bin for repeated infringements. With the clock into the red in the first half, the Junior Boks launched one last maul attack, but after Nyali went over, the try was disallowed by the TMO for obstruction at the lineout. Moyo made it 17-0 with an early penalty goal in the second half, but Australia grew in confidence and as their passes started to stick, they forced the Junior Boks onto the backfoot. Three tries in 15 minutes swung the game in favour of the Aussies, with Eamon Doyle (lock), Edwin Langi (replacement prop) and Lipina Ata (replacement hooker) crossing for the visitors. Sid Harvey (fullback) converted all three and with just under 20 minutes to go, Australia took a 21-17 lead, somewhat against the run of play, although they deserve credit for putting the Junior Bok defence under pressure, with their tactical kicking game also helping their cause. Attacking with confidence, the Aussies crossed for what looked to be a great try by Nick Conway (wing), only to be denied by a superb cover tackle by Cheswill Jooste. Two minutes later, Conway again made lots of ground down the left, but this time his inside pass found Xavier Rubens (centre), who scored Australia's fourth try to make it a nine-point game with 10 minutes on the clock. When Harvey landed a penalty goal five minutes later, it was game over for the Junior Boks, despite a good try by Batho Hlekani to give South Africa a losing bonus point. Meanwhile, in the first game on Tuesday, New Zealand were in impressive form as they scored a bonus-point 75-21 victory over Argentina's Pumitas, crossing the tryline 11 times and slotting 10 conversions, while only conceding three tries. After two rounds, New Zealand lead the standings with seven points, followed by Australia on six, South Africa on five and Argentina on zero. On Sunday, the Aussies and Pumitas cross swords at 14:00, while the final match is at 16:10 between the Junior Boks and the Kiwis. Junior Springboks Tries: Xola Nyali, Siya Ndlozi, Batho Hlekani Conversions: Vusi Moyo (2), Kyle Smith Penalty: Moyo Australia Tries: Eamon Doyle, Edwin Langi, Lipina Ata, Xavier Rubens Conversions: Sid Harvey (3) Penalty: Harvey Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
06-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Junior Springboks expect ‘massive threat' from expansive Australia
Coaches Kevin Foote and Chris Whitaker know each other well from their years in Super Rugby. Liam Grover scores a try against New Zealand during their opening game of the Rugby Championship U20 in Gqeberha. Picture: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images The Junior Springboks have done their best to prepare for a fast-paced, expansive Australian side ahead of their second Rugby Championship U20 clash in Gqeberha on Tuesday. The teams play at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (kick-off 4.10pm) with the South Africans leading the table thanks to their 36–25 win against Argentina last week. The Australians could only salvage a 29-all draw against defending champions New Zealand in their first game. This was due to an 83rd-minute (extra time) try in the opening game of the tournament. But Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote said Australia could not be underestimated, and nor could their coach, Chris Whitaker, whom Foote knows from their time as assistant coaches in Super Rugby in recent years: Foote with the Western Force and Melbourne Rebels, and Whitaker with the New South Wales Waratahs. 'I know Chris Whitaker from our time together in Super Rugby, and he is an exciting attacking coach. We know we will have to be on top of our game regarding their threats,' Foote said. The Junior Bok coach has made several changes to his side following their five-try-to-three win over Argentina. But anticipating an Australian team playing with width, he opted to keep right wing Cheswill Jooste, who played brilliantly against Argentina, making excellent line breaks seemingly at will. It's an entirely new starting backline otherwise, including scrumhalf Ceano Everson, flyhalf Vusi Moyo, Dominic Malgas and Scott Nel as the centres, Siya Ndlozi at left wing and JC Mars at fullback. 'It's a nice match-23 with lots of exciting players and speed amongst the backs, complemented by a big and physical forward pack, and we are looking forward to the game,' Foote added. Junior Springboks need to fix their lineouts 'We see Australia as a massive threat with their ball movement and how they play with width, and we expect they will have some special structured set pieces with lineouts and scrums.' The Junior Springboks' poor performance in lineouts was an area of concern, captain Riley Norton said after the Argentina game. He said they would 'go back to the drawing board' ahead of the Australia clash. Norton retains his starting lock spot. But among the forwards, only Simphiwe Ngobese (loosehead prop) and Wandile Mlaba (No 8) remain in the starting XV, and Norton will have to look to new faces to rectify their lineout woes. These include hooker Juandre Schoeman, tighthead prop Herman Lubbe, lock Morne Venter and flankers Xola Nyali and Batho Hlekani.
The Citizen
05-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Junior Springboks ring the changes for clash with Australia
Coach Kevin Foote has rotated the squad, being aware of the demands that three internationals played in 11 days will have on the players. Kyle Smith, who shone against Argentina last week, will play from the bench againt Australia on Tuesday. Picture: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote has made several rotational changes to his starting line-up and included four players who played for the South African U20s last year for their second Rugby Championship U20 match against Australia at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Tuesday (kick-off 4.10pm). The Junior Springboks managed to beat Argentina 36–25 in the opening round last Thursday, while Australia forced a late draw against New Zealand, scoring the equalising try after the hooter had sounded. Junior Springboks change line-up Foote has handed starts to JC Mars, Wandile Mlaba, Batho Hlekani and Herman Lubbe, all of whom played for the Junior Springboks last year. The SA U20 coach said it is important to keep their momentum going, manage the load of the players whilst also building squad depth by giving the players exposure to top-class international rugby. 'We play three internationals against quality teams in just 11 days, and with the short turnaround time between matches, we must be smart with our player load management,' Foote said. 'We have good squad depth and it's important for the players to get a taste of international rugby, while we also want to build on our performance against Argentina, knowing that Australia will pose a huge challenge for us.' In the front row, Simphiwe Ngobese and Lubbe will pack down as props on either side of hooker Juandre Schoeman. Riley Norton is retained at lock and will captain the team again, partnering with Morne Venter. The loose forward combination sees Xola Nyali, who had a successful campaign with FNB Varsity Cup champions, UCT, coming onto the side of the scrum at flanker. He teams up with Hlekani, who made a strong impact off the bench in the second half against the Pumitas, while Mlaba is retained at No 8, to complete the loose trio. Kyle Smith out, Vusi Moyo in at flyhalf Amongst the backs there is a new halfback pairing consisting of Ceano Everson (scrumhalf) and Vusi Moyo (flyhalf), while the midfield comprises of Dominic Malgas and Scott Nel. Cheswill Jooste will start again at right wing, and he will be joined in the back three by Siya Ndlozi (left wing) and Mars (fullback). Junior Springboks starting XV: JC Mars, Cheswill Jooste, Scott Nel, Dominic Malgas, Siya Ndlozi, Vusi Moyo, Ceano Everson, Wandile Mlaba, Batho Hlekani, Xola Nyali, Morne Venter, Riley Norton (captain), Herman Lubbe, Juandre Schoeman, Simphiwe Ngobese. Replacements: HB Odendaal, Oliver Reid, Jean Erasmus, Neil Hansen, Thando Biyela, Elrich Visser, Kyle Smith, Gino Cupido.
Daily Maverick
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
Rugby Championship U20 provides a platform for sides to iron out set piece problems
The opening round of the Rugby Championship U20 in Gqeberha underlined that at this level the southern hemisphere has some work to do. None of the 9,000 people that were at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha for the opening round of the 2025 Rugby Championship U20 could complain about the entertainment value of what they saw Two tight games on day one, dotted with great tries as the best junior internationals from Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa took each other on, was a good afternoon out. New Zealand and Australia played to a thrilling 29-29 draw, and South Africa rallied in the second half to overcome a game Argentina 36-25. There was lots to admire. New Zealand only landed one of four kicks at goal, something they were left to rue as the young Wallabies finished strongly with a late try to share the spoils. Australia skipper Eamon Doyle is a bruising lock who carried with never-ending intensity and purpose and did crucial work in the final moments that led to the game-tying score by No 8 Beau Morrison. New Zealand wing Maloni Kunawave looks like another gem off their never-ending production line as he helped himself to two tries. In the day's other game Argentina had some fine players to keep an eye on. Flyhalf Rafael Benedit is a wonderful goal-kicker with a natural, easy kicking style that will see him score thousands of points if he has a long career. For South Africa, hard-working lock JJ Theron looks to be another bruiser with skill, while electric wing Cheswill Jooste is a real talent. The hosts were 20-15 down at the break, and following a try by Argentina shortly after the restart the visitors took a 10-point lead, but the Junior Boks fought back with three converted tries without conceding another. Afterwards, coach Kevin Foote praised his team's resilience and leadership, acknowledging the initial nerves and the challenge of adapting to the slippery conditions. 'One of our biggest strengths is our leadership, and after half time, when they scored quickly, the guys didn't drop their heads,' said Foote. 'The guys adapted really well after half time and a lot of credit has to go to the leadership group and their ability to maintain confidence and belief, and go back to what we knew was going to work, playing a territory-based game and putting pressure on their opponents in their own half.' While this tournament is a much-needed competition before the World Rugby U20 Championships later this year, the standard needs to go up a few notches if any of these sides hopes to win the global title. Northern dominance The northern hemisphere, particularly France, has dominated the Junior 'World Cup' since 2018 and their stranglehold won't easily be relaxed. For one simple reason — set piece. Based on the evidence of day one at the U20 Rugby Championships, the set pieces from all sides were mediocre at best. France have won three of the last four World Championships, while England won the other (two years were lost to Covid-19). Ireland have been in the final once, with England losing two finals and France one. It's been virtually complete northern hemisphere dominance for six years. And it's down to better set piece work, which in turn creates a better platform for excellent backs. Argentina actually dominated the lineouts and scrums against South Africa but lost due to the Junior Boks being more clinical with the ball they had. Neither Australia nor New Zealand appeared to have a strong set piece with both sides battling at differing moments. To beat France, England and even Ireland at age group level, the southern hemisphere teams will need to shore up their tight work. Foote admitted his team's set piece needs work. 'Argentina are renowned for their defensive set piece, and for us things perhaps did not go our way in the lineouts and scrums,' Foote said after the match. 'However, when we got the ball over the 15-metre line we mauled quite well to put them under pressure. 'I also thought our team's defensive efforts and their ability to scramble effectively during line breaks were impressive.' That may be so, but it won't be enough at the World Championships. This tournament at least gives the three southern hemisphere sides a fighting chance because they have live game scenarios to work on their shortcomings. DM
