Junior Boks remain grounded after big win, eyes set on England showdown

The Junior Springboks made a thunderous start to their World Rugby U20 Championship campaign with an emphatic 73-17 victory over Australia in Calvisano on Sunday, but the team remains focused and grounded ahead of their crucial second Pool A clash against defending champions England on Friday.

Head coach Kevin Foote was understandably delighted after his side ran in 11 tries to dismantle the Australians in testing hot and humid conditions. He credited the team's strong physical preparation and discipline for the performance.

“The conditions were tough, but we managed our nutrition and hydration well,” Foote said. “Our preparation was key, both physically and mentally, and I think our conditioning was outstanding. The conditioning staff deserve real praise for the effort they've put in.”

Beyond the physical dominance, Foote highlighted the team’s ability to stick to their tactical blueprint while also showing adaptability.

“We executed our plans perfectly and adapted well under pressure,” he added. “We balanced our kicking and running game well, and our leadership on the field was calm and composed. The boys made mature decisions under pressure, which was crucial.”

The coach also commended the smooth integration of newcomers Jaco Grobbelaar and Jaco Williams, who linked up with the squad shortly before departure to Italy. Both players slotted in seamlessly, contributing to the team’s cohesive performance.

Captain Riley Norton, who delivered a solid performance in the second row, shared his coach’s measured optimism.

“It was a great win against a quality Australian side, but we can improve in certain areas,” Norton said. “There will be no room for complacency, especially with England up next. It’s just one game under our belts, and we want to learn and continuously improve as the tournament progresses.”

England, who started their campaign with a commanding 56-19 win over Scotland, will present a formidable challenge. The two traditional rugby powerhouses will clash on Friday in Rovigo at 18h00, with a place at the top of Pool A potentially on the line.

With confidence high and momentum on their side, the Junior Boks are eager to carry their opening success forward, but they are under no illusions about the road ahead. For now, the message is clear: stay grounded, stay focused, and keep building.