The Junior Springboks sent an early warning to the rest of the field as they opened their Junior World Championship title defence with an overpowering 104-7 victory over Uruguay in Tbilisi on Saturday evening.
Winger Jordan Steenkamp and flanker Risima Khosa led the way with a hat-trick, while fellow speedster Khuthadzo Rasivhaga scored two tries alongside replacement scrumhalf Jayden Brits. Markus Muller, Ethan Adams, Cheswill Jooste, Siposethu Mnebelele and Gert Steenkamp also crossed the whitewash in a ruthless attacking display that marked the perfect start for the defending champions.
The forwards laid the platform with a dominant physical performance up front, while the backs showcased their silky skills, pace and clinical finishing to carve Uruguay open throughout the contest. The Junior Boks ran in seven tries before the break as any resistance from their opponents quickly crumbled, taking a commanding 50-0 lead into half-time.
There was no let-up after the interval as South Africa added another 54 points to underline their status as one of the tournament favourites. Their attack was slick and varied, with quick ball, brilliant support lines by the backs and excellent handling, allowing them to convert almost every opportunity they created.
While the attack grabbed the headlines, the Junior Boks were just as impressive without the ball. They defended with intensity and good discipline that will have coach Kevin Foote overjoyed, after repeatedly denying Uruguay despite the South Americans creating several promising attacking opportunities.
Time and again, the Junior Boks scrambled brilliantly, produced dominant tackles close to their own line and forced errors to keep their opponents at bay. Although Uruguay eventually crossed after the final hooter, the defensive effort throughout the contest was another major positive for Foote.
Fullback Luan Giliomee was outstanding, constantly injecting himself into the backline with great running lines on the attack and excellent support play. At the same time, flyhalf Alzeadon Felix controlled proceedings superbly with his game management and flawless distribution. Steenkamp’s clinical finishing and Rasivhaga’s blistering pace ensured the Junior Boks made the most of the platform laid by the pack of forwards.
The emphatic victory provides the perfect platform for the rest of the tournament as the Junior Boks prepare for a pool-defining clash against Georgia on Thursday. Foote will be pleased that his side combined their attacking flair with some brilliant grit on defence in an opening performance that sent a clear message to the rest of the competition.
He will have some tough decisions to make about the composition of his side for the match against the hosts this coming week. But the squad showed that whoever he selects, they are capable of a strong performance in their second duel.
Points scorers
Junior Springboks 104 (50): Tries: Markus Muller, Jordan Steenkamp (3), Risima Khosa (3), Ethan Adams, Khuthadzo Rasivhaga (2), Cheswill Jooste, Jayden Brits (2), Siphosethu Mnebelele, Gert Kemp. Conversions: Alzeadon Felix (2), Luan Giliomee (3), Akahlulwa Boqwana (6). Uruguay 7 (0): Try: Sebastian Dalmao Rivero. Conversion: Juan Francisco Pereira.
