The Junior Springboks outplayed France by 42-27 on Tuesday evening in Verona to finish top in Pool A and stay unbeaten at the U20 Six Nations Summer Series currently staged in Italy. They held a 17-12 half-time lead through two converted tries and a penalty goal, while France replied with two tries and a conversion.
As a result of their well-deserving triumph, the Junior Boks top Pool A win 15 points from three bonus point wins. That means that Bafana Nhleko’s unbeaten team now awaits the outcome of tomorrow’s Pool B decider between hosts Italy and Wales to see who they will play in next week’s playoff spot for the overall Summer Series winner.
Coach Nhleko afterwards said he was especially pleased with his side’s second-half display.
“I felt we made it hard for ourselves in the first half because we didn’t take our opportunities and didn’t manage the game on our terms – that took energy away from us,” said the Junior Bok’s coach.
“ Once we stuck to our processes I thought the boys did well, and there were character and composure in the second half.”
Regarding another winning display against a quality opponent, Nhleko added:
“We need to grow in our game management. I would also like to thank our strength and conditioning and medical departments for their work because the conditions (the heat and humidity) are tough, but our players were able to come through very well.
“The bodies are sore after three weeks so we will give them two days off to recover and then we will regroup to make sure our detail is there and that we are up for the next physical challenge,” said Nhleko.