The clash between the Junior Springboks and England promises to deliver another epic battle between the two rugby rivals when they meet in a crucial Pool A match at the World Rugby U20 Rugby Championship in Rovigo on Friday. The match will kick off at 18:00 (SA Time).
The Junior Boks come into the clash on the back of a resounding 73-17 victory over Australia in Calvisano last Sunday, while England defeated Scotland 56-19 in their opening-round meeting on the same day in Verona.
England downed the SA U20 17-12 in a hard-fought battle in the pool stage on their way to lifting the world title last year in Cape Town.
South Africa’s impressive win over the Aussies was the result of a perfect blend of forward power and potent back play, with wing Siya Ndlozi and scrumhalf Haashim Pead each scoring a brace of tries as the Junior Boks bagged 11 tries overall against a quality Australian side.
Immediately afterwards, a satisfied Captain Riley Norton spoke mainly of things the Junior Springboks could have done better and what aspects of their game they will need to improve to beat reigning champions England in their next match.
It was a common thread of the Junior Bok message this week in the build-up to their clash with the defending champions.
Attack coach Melusi Mthethwa said during the team announcement media conference on Wednesday, they have focused heavily on the things the Junior Boks want to improve.
“England are not world champions for nothing; they have earned that right, and we will be facing a formidable team,” said Mthethwa.
“We have a huge amount of respect for them and are excited about facing them.
“There are always things to improve on, such as our execution and the things we want to achieve from certain plays. The players continue to work and grow together in units and as a team.”
Pead is a vice-captain of the team and one of several leaders in the Junior Bok side, with the bonus of playing in last year’s championship in South Africa.
“We have done our homework and prepared well for them. We respect England and we do expect them to play an exciting brand of rugby, as well as being solid with their kicking game,” said Pead, adding that the Junior Boks will not deviate from their approach.
“We are just going to stick to our DNA, which is our physicality, set-piece and kicking game. Myself and (flyhalf) Vusi Moyo have been training well for the past few months, I actually feel our connection is good and the way we connect with the rest of our team mates have been excellent so far.”
However, the livewire scrumhalf was quick to praise the effort of the hard-working South African forward pack: “Against Australia, the forwards provided us with an excellent platform, which we are grateful for, because at the end of the day rugby is a team sport and you can’t do anything without other people helping you.
“It's a massive challenge and opportunity for us as a team against England, and we are excited to be involved in such a game,” said Pead.