By Johnathan Paoli
The Junior Springboks have welcomed their emphatic opening victory at the World Rugby U20 Championship but insist their attention has already shifted to what they expect will be a significantly tougher examination against hosts Georgia later this week.
South Africa’s defending champions opened their title defence in spectacular fashion with a 104-7 demolition of Uruguay in Tbilisi, Georgia, running in 16 tries to equal their longest winning streak in the tournament’s history with a seventh consecutive victory.
While the result sent an early warning to the rest of the competition, stand-in captain Rambo Kubheka said the squad remained grounded and fully aware that the challenge would intensify when they face a powerful Georgian outfit on Thursday.
“The boys played well, and I couldn’t have asked for more in our first game. Playing against South American teams, you know what to expect. They play with pride, they are very passionate, and they never go away,” Kubheka said.
Kubheka led the Junior Boks in the opening half before regular captain Siphosethu Mnebelele took over following the break.
Despite the lopsided scoreline, Kubheka praised Uruguay’s determination and echoed head coach Kevin Foote’s assessment that the South Americans never stopped competing.
Uruguay’s persistence was reflected in a late consolation try after the final hooter, denying South Africa a shutout despite the Junior Boks’ overwhelming dominance throughout the contest.
South Africa established control after a slightly untidy opening spell, racing to a 50-0 half-time advantage before adding another 54 points after the interval.
Markus Muller opened the scoring before Jordan Steenkamp crossed for the first of his three tries.
Risima Khosa also completed a hat-trick, while Khuthadzo Rasivhaga and Jayden Brits each scored twice.
Ethan Adams, Cheswill Jooste, Mnebelele and Gert Kemp also dotted down, while the Junior Boks were awarded a penalty try.
The clinical attacking display saw South Africa reach the century mark before Uruguay crossed late, underlining the depth and finishing ability within the defending champions’ squad.
However, Kubheka said the encounter with Georgia will present an entirely different challenge.
“We’ve played them three times already this year, so we know what’s coming,” he said. “They are a hard-working, physical side, and we are very clear about the challenge they will bring,” he said.
Steenkamp, who finished with a hat-trick, credited the collective effort behind his individual success after finally getting the tournament campaign underway following months of preparation.
“I’m grateful to my teammates for putting me in positions to score. It was a real team effort, and the forwards laid a strong platform for us backs to finish,” he said.
Head coach Kevin Foote was equally delighted with the performance, saying several players had strengthened their claims for selection as the tournament progresses.
“It’s awesome to finally get going after a long period of preparation. The players showed great intent from the start, and it’s pleasing to begin the tournament with a strong performance. There were plenty of strong performances and a number of players really put their hands up for selection. That’s exactly what you want in a competition like this, where the whole squad will be needed,” he said.
Foote said South Africa’s squad depth would be crucial throughout the championship, particularly with first-choice captain Riley Norton and flyhalf Vusi Moyo unavailable after being called into the senior Springbok squad.
“We have a very good squad, and we’ll give other players opportunities in the next game. The focus is on continuing to build and improve,” he said.
The Junior Boks resumed preparations on Monday after Sunday’s recovery session, fully aware that Georgia will present one of their sternest pool-stage tests.
The hosts narrowly lost 25-24 to Wales in their opening fixture and will be desperate to respond in front of a passionate home crowd.
“You can feel the energy and passion in Georgia already. They’ll be hurting after that loss and will come back strongly. We know they’ll bring a big physical challenge,” Foote said.
With momentum firmly on their side following a record-equalling seventh successive World Rugby U20 Championship victory, the Junior Springboks now face the task of proving their opening-day statement was only the beginning of another title challenge.
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