Captain Riley Norton says playing in high-stakes schoolboy matches has helped prepare the Junior Springboks for Saturday’s World Rugby U20 Championship final against New Zealand in Rovigo.
The SA U20s booked their place in a first final since 2014 after a 48-24 win over Argentina, and will now face old rivals New Zealand, who beat France 34-26 in the other semi-final.
Norton, who captained Paul Roos Gymnasium last year, believes the pressure of big school games has given the Junior Boks an edge.
“We’re used to big games at school, and we’ve always enjoyed them,” he said. “Playing in front of huge, passionate crowds back home has definitely helped us handle the pressure. It prepared us very well for a tournament like this.”
Vice-captain Haashim Pead, a former Bishops pupil and the tournament’s leading try-scorer with six in four matches, added that the team would stick to their routine despite the occasion.
“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 trust our processes and enjoy the occasion.”
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Junior Boks coach Kevin Foote praised his team’s execution and resilience in their semi-final, and expects a thrilling clash against a confident New Zealand side.
“Our strike plays were outstanding, and the defence was gutsy,” said Foote. “New Zealand back 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.”
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Flyhalf Vusi Moyo, who has scored a tournament-high 50 points, will again play a key role in the final.
“Vusi’s had an unbelievable tournament,” said Foote. “He puts a lot into his training and has learned a lot from Haashim.”
Kick-off in Rovigo is at 8.30pm.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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