Rugby Championship U20 news: Junior Springboks run wild in victory v Argentina
The Junior Springboks put on a show in their 48-21 victory against Argentina on Monday in the Rugby Championship Under-20 round one.
Right wing Jack Benade shone with a hattrick of tries, while power inside centre Ethan Adams picked up a brace, causing problems in the midfield all game.
Fly-halves Yaqeen Ahmed and Manuel Giannantonio kicked four and three conversions for their respective teams.
Ahmed scored a brilliant line-breaking try to go alongside his goalkicking efforts.
Norton: ‘It comes down to character’
Junior Springboks captain Riley Norton commended his side’s ability to maintain character and intensity throughout the match.
“It's about character – it comes down to the heart that each player has,” Norton said, quoted on SA Rugby.
“We never want to stop the guys from expressing themselves, and our journey is just starting now,” Junior Springboks head coach Kevin Foote added, mirroring Norton’s thoughts on the game.
A special Eastern Cape crowd
“It was such a special occasion to sing our anthem with the crowd,” Norton said of the fans at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, supporting them on Freedom Day.
“I am so pleased that we could play some really exciting rugby today, especially in the first half, and be successful in what was always going to be a tough encounter against Argentina.”
Still plenty to improve on
Upon review of their performance, Junior Boks forwards coach Lumumba Currie acknowledged that although his side had success in their round one clash, there’s still improvements to be made.
“We had a thorough review, looking at the things we did well and pinpointing the aspects where we need to improve,” he said.
Challenging battle ahead
“They have a good recent record against us, having beaten us in the previous two Rugby Championship tournaments before we managed to get the better of them last year at the Junior World Championships in Italy, so we are well aware of their capabilities,” Currie said of his side’s round two opponents, the Junior Wallabies.
“They showed in their opening match against New Zealand what a massive threat they are, especially with ball in hand and their efficiency at the breakdown.
“It will make for a very interesting battle on Sunday,” Currie added.
The Junior Springboks will meet Australia in Gqeberha at the same venue for round two.
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