Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote couldn’t hide his delight after his squad trounced Scotland with a whopping 73-14 in their final World Rugby U20 Championship group stage match in Calvisano. This resounding victory kept the Junior Boks' record spotless, securing them a proud perch atop Pool A with a perfect score of 15 points from three matches, and a guaranteed spot in the semi-finals.
Foote extolled his team's adherence to their game plan and their intense play, which combined for what he described as a "clinical performance dotted with flashes of individual brilliance." Post-match, the coach was not only thrilled with the scoreboard but also proud of his players, particularly the rookies stepping onto the international stage for the first time.
"It was a mature effort and our squad is in a good place. I thought our back row were excellent around the breakdown,"
Foote remarked.
The young guns showed humility and focus, quickly switching gears to prepare for the next challenge right after celebrating their win in the locker room. Foote highlighted the exceptional work at the breakdown and the sheer effort upfront that provided a robust platform for the backs to exploit spaces and dazzle on the attack.
Despite the lopsided score, Thando Biyela, the captain for the day, acknowledged the resilience of the Scottish team, especially in the second half.
"It was a good win but a tough game. I must give credit to Scotland who tested us in the second half,"
Biyela stated, emphasizing the desire for the team to deliver a full 80-minute performance and reach their maximum potential.
With the semi-finals just around the corner, Foote faces a pleasant dilemma. "It is a difficult problem to have," he admitted, pondering over the selection for the upcoming games given the overflowing talent pool at his disposal.
The playoff matches are set for Monday, 14 July in Viadana, with the remaining semi-final spots to be decided after the conclusion of all pool games. The Junior Boks look poised and ready as they aim to maintain their unbeaten streak and pursue the championship title.
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Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote couldn’t hide his delight after his squad trounced Scotland with a whopping 73-14 in their final World Rugby U20 Championship group stage match in Calvisano. This resounding victory kept the Junior Boks' record spotless, securing them a proud perch atop Pool A with a perfect score of 15 points from three matches, and a guaranteed spot in the semi-finals.
Foote extolled his team's adherence to their game plan and their intense play, which combined for what he described as a "clinical performance dotted with flashes of individual brilliance." Post-match, the coach was not only thrilled with the scoreboard but also proud of his players, particularly the rookies stepping onto the international stage for the first time.
"It was a mature effort and our squad is in a good place. I thought our back row were excellent around the breakdown,"
Foote remarked.The young guns showed humility and focus, quickly switching gears to prepare for the next challenge right after celebrating their win in the locker room. Foote highlighted the exceptional work at the breakdown and the sheer effort upfront that provided a robust platform for the backs to exploit spaces and dazzle on the attack.
Despite the lopsided score, Thando Biyela, the captain for the day, acknowledged the resilience of the Scottish team, especially in the second half.
"It was a good win but a tough game. I must give credit to Scotland who tested us in the second half,"
Biyela stated, emphasizing the desire for the team to deliver a full 80-minute performance and reach their maximum potential.With the semi-finals just around the corner, Foote faces a pleasant dilemma. "It is a difficult problem to have," he admitted, pondering over the selection for the upcoming games given the overflowing talent pool at his disposal.
The playoff matches are set for Monday, 14 July in Viadana, with the remaining semi-final spots to be decided after the conclusion of all pool games. The Junior Boks look poised and ready as they aim to maintain their unbeaten streak and pursue the championship title.