Coach Kevin Foote says the Junior Springboks are “extremely motivated” to bounce again from a sloppy U20 Rugby Championship efficiency towards Australia once they tackle New Zealand on Sunday.
South Africa conceded 29 unanswered factors to give up a 17-point lead at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Tuesday earlier than scoring a late attempt to go down 29-24 to the spirited Australia U20s who managed the sphere within the second half.
“We received pegged down in our personal half after half time, and some turnovers gave them alternatives and momentum,” stated Foote. “I believe Australia deserve loads of credit score for staying within the struggle, they’re gutsy and did properly at that. We turned over an excessive amount of ball and the defensive stress grew to become huge for us.
“The primary factor to enhance on might be to take care of our ball and ensuring we don’t give it up too simply, in addition to our self-discipline to not concede comfortable penalties.”
Junior Bok captain Riley Norton additionally emphasised the variety of penalties conceded and Australia’s territorial benefit.
“I believed we had a fantastic first half and I believed our sport drivers had been doing very properly,” stated Norton. “Within the second half we conceded some comfortable penalties at occasions after which we misplaced the territorial battle. These are useful classes for us earlier than the World Rugby U20 Championship.
“We are able to return and take a look at the positives and attempt to enhance on the issues we didn’t do properly. It didn’t go our manner in the present day, however the boys are nonetheless constructive, and we have now yet another sport to play within the Championship, and we’re excited for that.”
New Zealand scored 11 tries to 3 of their 75-21 victory over Argentina earlier on Tuesday, and Foote realises an enormous step up can be required from the Junior Boks when tackle their kiwi counterparts on Sunday.
“This can be an enormous fixture for us – they play with a fantastic tempo and have their tails up, so they are going to be nice opposition,” stated Foote. “The staff can be very extremely motivated for the New Zealand match.”
After two rounds, New Zealand lead the standings with seven factors, adopted by Australia on six, South Africa on 5, and Argentina on zero.
On Sunday, Australia and Argentina face off at 2pm, whereas the Junior Boks wrap up their event towards New Zealand at 4.10pm.
Picture: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Pictures
