The Junior Springboks returned to the training field at the Falcons Rugby Club field adjacent to the Suncoast Stadium in Bokarina, Queensland on Saturday morning, after completing their match recovery and game review of the clash against New Zealand.
A gym session was followed by an hour-long field session which took place in persistent, light rain.
The Junior Boks’ next assignment in the U20 Rugby Championship is on Tuesday morning against hosts, Australia, and according to SA U20 outside back Josh Boulle, the young Wallabies will be keen to bounce back from their opening-round defeat to Argentina.
Boulle added that they are also aware of the hosts' desire for a much better performance in front of their home supporters.
“We expect a fierce battle and good reaction from Australia, who would want to bounce back from their loss (against the Pumitas),” said Boulle, who is equally at home in the midfield and on the wing.
“We have to show them respect but equally important is to focus on getting our behaviours right and ensuring we implement our systems.”
Boulle came on at wing in the second half in the drawn match against New Zealand, and he immediately made an impact off the bench with his solid defensive work, with a crunching tackle right at the end stopping a dangerous Kiwi attack in its track. The SA U20s were then able to keep NZ at bay until the end of the thrilling encounter.
The heavy downpour on the opening day of the tournament, as well as the menacing wind made for difficult playing conditions, with the Junior Springboks' defence keeping NZ in check and keeping the score to 3-0 at halftime.
Thabang Mphafi also made a good impact off the bench against New Zealand and the loose forward expects Australia to make life difficult for South Africa, especially with their guile at the breakdown.
“The conditions were tough and we learnt a lot and gained good experience, but we can certainly improve and impose ourselves more as a forward pack,” said Mphafi.
“Australia will bring a different skillset and we have to be ready and adapt to whatever they present to us but we also want to play and get our attack systems going.”
Next week's second-round game against Australia U20 starts at 19h00 (11h00 SA time) and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
