“Junior Springboks Forge Ahead with Dominant Start in World Rugby U-20 Championship”
Coach Bafana Nhleko attributed the Junior Springboks’ strong start in the 2024 World Rugby U-20 Championship against Fiji to the outstanding performance of their hard-working forward pack. The South Africans secured a commanding 57-7 victory at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, scoring eight tries despite some lapses and a yellow card to Jurenzo Julius in the second half.
Nhleko praised his team’s ability to execute fundamentals effectively against a physical Fijian side. “Initially slow off the mark, we focused on sticking to our basics and ultimately achieving our goals,” he remarked. Looking ahead, Nhleko acknowledged the challenges posed by Argentina and England in their pool, highlighting their robust play styles.
He emphasized the crucial role played by the forwards, particularly Bathobele Hlekani, whose impactful runs set up early tries. “We emphasized set pieces throughout the week, and it was satisfying to see our disciplined approach pay off,” Nhleko added.
With an eye on managing player workload, Nhleko emphasized the importance of giving the wider match-day squad playing time. The team’s focus now shifts to preparing for their upcoming match against Argentina, mindful of maintaining squad balance and resilience.
Despite a setback with scrumhalf Ezekiel Ngobeni’s injury, Nhleko reassured that he is recovering well after hospital checks. The team has resumed training, with a strong emphasis on recovery and readiness for their next challenge.
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