Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote expressed his delight following his team's impressive 78-7 victory in a training match against Hamilton Rugby Club in Cape Town on Friday evening.
The clash, part of a series of hit-outs against local opposition, is crucial for the team’s preparations for the rest of the season. The SA Under-20s used their physicality to lay the platform for a comprehensive win against one of the country’s powerhouse club sides, scoring 12 tries and only conceding one in a good all-around performance.
Foote extended his gratitude towards the club, based in Green Point next to the DHL Stadium, for hosting the Junior Boks, emphasizing the importance of these games in getting the team ready.
“It's massively important for us to get these games under our belt and help us prepare,” he said.
“I thought there was a big improvement from our game against the Vodacom Bulls U21s the week before in Stellenbosch, especially around our physicality.”
Foote also highlighted the exceptional work of assistant coach Lumumba Currie with the forwards. “Lumumba has been unbelievable and has really kicked on from last year. You can see his detail and passion around the breakdown, and having some of the players from last year has made a big difference. For that, we are grateful.”
The match provided another valuable opportunity to the Junior Bok side to give players time on the field and assess their potential.
“We had a nice hit-out and gave enough guys time to play and see their potential,” Foote noted. “At the same time, we've managed to broaden our squad depth, which will make it very challenging to select squads going forward.”
Foote emphasised that all players are still in contention with the culmination of the season, the World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy in June and July, in mind.
“The door is obviously not closed to anyone, and we still have work to do, but for now, we want to finalize our squad for the U20 Rugby Championship and are looking forward to playing against our southern hemisphere teams,” he said.