The Junior Springboks are set to face New Zealand in the final of the World Rugby U20 Championship on Saturday evening in Rovigo, in what promises to be a thrilling encounter between the two traditional rugby rivals, with the team leaders reckoning that the competitive South African school environment has prepared them well for the big occasion.
Speaking from their Italian base of Valpolicella before of the much-anticipated clash, Junior Boks head coach Kevin Foote, captain Riley Norton, and vice-captain Haashim Pead shared their thoughts on the big occasion, the team’s preparation, and the significance of the match.
For Norton and Pead, the journey to the final has been shaped by their experiences playing rugby at school level in South Africa – a fiercely competitive environment that has prepared them well for the global stage.
“It prepared us very well for a tournament like this,” said Norton, who captained Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch last year.
“We’re used to big games at school, and we’ve always enjoyed them. Playing in front of huge, passionate crowds back home has definitely helped us handle the pressure.”
Pead, who attended Bishops in Cape Town, echoed the sentiment: “It’s great to be part of a game of this magnitude, but it doesn’t mean we need to change our preparation or approach. We’ll stick to our routine, trust our processes, and enjoy the occasion.”
The Junior Boks have impressed throughout the tournament, with their semi-final victory over Argentina showcasing both attacking flair and defensive grit.
Speaking to international media ahead of the big game, Foote praised the team’s execution and resilience in their semi-final.
“Our strike plays were outstanding, and the defence was gutsy,” said Foote.
“New Zealand backed their attack, and they’ve grown in confidence as the tournament has progressed. Like us, they’re passionate and composed, it’s going to be a great game.”
Norton emphasised the team’s belief and unity heading into the final: “We’ve spoken a lot about backing ourselves. Pressure is always going to be there; it’s been there throughout the tournament.
“But our confidence comes from our preparation. We haven’t played in a final for 11 years, so this is a special moment. Each player truly cares for the team. It’s less about pressure and more about excitement,” said Norton.
Pead – the tournament’s leading try scorer with six, plus a handful of try-assists – also credited the coaching staff for giving the backs the freedom to express themselves.
“Our tries have been a result of the platform laid by the coaches,” said Pead. “They’ve prepared us so well and given us the freedom to showcase our skills.”
One of the team’s standout performers has been Vusi Moyo, whose long-range kicking and composure have allowed the Junior Boks to gain valuable territory.
According to Foote, Moyo has had an unbelievable tournament. The SA U20 flyhalf has scored 50 points in the four games he has played to date, the most by any player of the 12 participating teams.
“Vusi puts a lot into his training and has learnt a lot during his time playing next to Haashim, who’s more experienced and played here last year,” said Foote. “We saw what he did against England – kicking from over 50 metres. He’ll take a lot of confidence into the final.”
Pead, Norton and Moyo are part of the unchanged Junior Springbok lineup to face New Zealand in the Final, which starts at 20:30 (SA Time) in Rovigo, with the big game to be broadcast live on SuperSport Rugby.