Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote left the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium a satisfied man after the South Africans kicked off their U20 Rugby Championship campaign with a statement victory over Argentina on Monday.
The Junior Boks blended a high-tempo attacking game with a gritty defensive display that left the Gqeberha crowd delighted.
Despite the comfortable 48-21 scoreline, the match was a relentless physical test, and Junior Bok head coach Kevin Foote praised his side’s intent to play an “exciting brand” of rugby.
“We never want to stop the guys from expressing themselves, and our journey is just starting now,” Foote said after the game.
Riley Norton led a defensive effort that effectively neutralised the South Americans for the first hour of play. The SA U20 captain said the performance was pleasing and praised the Junior Boks’ fighting spirit and grit.
“It's about character, it comes down to the heart that each player has,” said Norton of the match against a competitive Argentine side.
The Junior Bok captain also highlighted the intensity brought by the visitors, noting that Argentina didn’t stop fighting for the full 80 minutes, and he also credited his forward pack for “fronting up” against a renowned Argentine set-piece that remains the “bread-and-butter” of their game.
One of the Junior Boks’ standout performers was strong-running inside centre Ethan Adams, whose physicality in the midfield was rewarded with two tries in the first half. Out wide, Jack Benade (wing) registered a hat-trick of tries in his debut international for the Junior Boks.
Norton also praised the passionate Eastern Cape crowd that came out to watch the Junior Boks play on Freedom Day: “It was such a special occasion to sing our anthem with the crowd. I am so pleased that we could play some really exciting rugby today, especially in the first half, and be successful in what was always going to be a tough encounter against Argentina.”
South Africa leads the standings after the opening round on five points, followed by New Zealand on four, and Australia on one, while Argentina must still open their account.
The Junior Boks’ next game is at 16:10 on Sunday against Australia, who were beaten 34-29 by New Zealand in their opener, while the Kiwis and Argentina will clash at 14:00.