Junior Springbok captain Riley Norton said on Wednesday the SA U20s are looking forward to meeting the physical challenge of Argentina when the two teams clash in the opening round of the U20 Rugby Championship at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Thursday afternoon.
The match in Gqeberha will kick of 16h10 and will be televised live on SuperSport.
The 2025 U20 Rugby Championship is the second edition of the tournament, which was staged for the first time last year in Australia, with the best young players the Southern Hemisphere competing against each other over three rounds. New Zealand and Australia open the tournament in the first match of Thursday’s double-header at 14h00.
Speaking on the eve of the opening round clash with Argentina, Norton said they are expecting a physical challenge from the Argentina outfit, and that the meeting with the Pumitas will be a big challenge upfront.
“We pride ourselves on our set piece, and we really back our scrums and our maul, which is something all South Africans take pride in,” said Norton, adding that the SA U20s have exciting options at the back, and it would be the task of the forwards to lay a solid foundation for the backline.
“The pace we have in the backline is very exciting. If the ball can go out wide, we have some exceptional players like Gino Cupido, who is tall, very quick, and can round defenders. So, our strengths boil down to two things: our set piece and our pace out wide, thanks to the talent of our outside backs.”
Cupido is equally at home on the wing and in midfield and recently made his debut for the Springbok Sevens team.
Meanwhile, Junior Bok head coach Kevin Foote provided further insights on what to expect from the formidable Argentina selection.
“It always comes down to the scrum, lineout, and maul,” said Foote.
“We know they will be physical, and playing for their country is a significant opportunity for them since they don't get to play many games. Heading into the World Rugby U20 Championship there will be a real hunger and desire from Argentina.
“They are very good when the ball gets loose, with exciting outside backs that are a real threat. We understand from our game management plan how we want to play; we aim to be direct and match their physicality and passion.”