The Junior Springboks commenced their 2024 World Rugby U20 Championship campaign with an impressive triumph, defeating Fiji 57-7 at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday. The resounding victory underlined their readiness and determination for the tournament.
The South African team displayed their attacking strength from the start, scoring eight tries in a performance that left little doubt about their championship ambitions. Despite a few second-half slips and a yellow card, their commitment and purposeful play were evident throughout the match.
The Junior Boks secured a bonus point for four tries within the first half, each try a testament to their skill and coordination. The opening try came nine minutes into the game after Fiji was penalized following a powerful run by lock Bathobele Hlekani.
The Junior Boks took a quick tap and executed a series of dummy runners, allowing Jurenzo Julius to score. Liam Koen’s conversion put the Junior Boks ahead 7-0.
Another strong burst from Hlekani soon had Fiji on the back foot again. This time, the ball was swiftly moved wide to fullback Michail Damon, who found a gap and scored in the corner. Koen’s accurate kicking continued, extending the lead to 14-0 after just 14 minutes.
The Junior Boks’ forward pack began to dominate the tight phases, culminating in a massive scrum that earned a penalty. Koen slotted his first penalty goal of the tournament from a comfortable distance, increasing the lead to 17-0.
Although Koen missed a subsequent long-range attempt, he made up for it with a conversion following a delightful try by Joel Leotlela. The Fijian defense struggled to contain the South African attack, and after a scrum resulting from a Fijian yellow card, Julius created space for Leotlela to score. Koen’s conversion from a tight angle pushed the score to 24-0.
Three minutes later, Julius scored again, this time under the posts after a brilliant display of interplay among the Junior Boks’ outside backs.
Koen’s conversion brought the score to 31-0. However, Julius soon found himself in trouble for a tip tackle and received a yellow card just before halftime, turning hero to villain in moments.
The second half saw continued dominance from the Junior Boks. Hooker Luca Bakkes scored early, capitalizing on a ruck to extend the lead to 38-0 with Koen’s conversion.
Fiji finally managed to break through the South African defense, with prop Anare Caginavanua crashing over for a try following good interplay among the forwards. Bogi Kikau converted, putting Fiji on the board at 38-7.
Coach Bafana Nhleko made early use of his bench in the second half, and although it took the replacements some time to find their rhythm, they eventually clicked.
Flanker Sibabalwe Mahashe scored after a series of strong runs by his teammates, with Fiji conceding another yellow card for a high tackle in the process.
Mahashe’s try was followed by another moment of brilliance. His strong burst had Fiji in trouble, and his offload found replacement winger Likhona Finca, who crashed over in the corner. The Junior Boks’ relentless pressure continued, with Asad Moos initiating a break down the blindside from a scrum.
After some excellent interplay, Moos was on the receiving end of a try-scoring pass, diving into the corner. Tyler Sefoor, who had replaced Koen earlier, converted superbly from the touchline.
The final score stood at an impressive 57-7 in favor of the Junior Springboks, a testament to their superior skills and strategic execution. The victory underscored the Junior Boks’ status as serious contenders in the 2024 World Rugby U20 Championship.
The scorers for the Junior Springboks were: Jurenzo Julius with two tries, Michail Damon, Joel Leotlela, Luca Bakkes, Sibabalwe Mahashe, Likhona Finca, and Asad Moos each contributing a try.
Liam Koen successfully converted five of these tries and added a penalty goal, while Tyler Sefoor converted two tries. For Fiji, Anare Caginavanua scored their lone try, converted by Bogi Kikau.
This commanding performance by the Junior Springboks not only sets a high standard for their upcoming matches but also sends a clear message to their competitors: the Junior Boks are here to dominate and claim the championship title.
Photo: SA Rugby
