The Junior Springboks concluded their brief tour of Georgia with a 35-5 victory over their hosts on a chilly and moist Friday afternoon in Tbilisi, with SA U20 head coach Kevin Foote praising the gamers’ resilience within the powerful circumstances.
The SA U20s, who received the primary sport by 35-0 on Sunday, led by 21-0 on the break and scored 5 tries to 1 by the Georgian U20s.
The powerful circumstances made dealing with very troublesome, whereas the South Africans have been additionally responsible of conceding too many penalties, with two gamers additionally spending time within the sin-bin.
Yaqeen Ahmed contributed 15 factors from a strive 5 conversions, which signifies that the Junior Bok flyhalf succeeded with all 10 of his conversions over the 2 matches.
Reflecting on the efficiency, Foote stated the gamers confirmed a number of character: “The circumstances have been powerful with all of the rain. Enjoying in Georgia is all the time troublesome for various causes, however I assumed the fellows confirmed a number of maturity as we speak.”
The Junior Boks have been compelled to be affected person, as Georgia’s bodily pack made possession troublesome to return by. Nonetheless, the South Africans have been scientific when given the chance.
“We didn’t get a number of possession, however once we did, we made use of it, particularly within the first half,” Foote added.
Lindsey Jansen opened the scoring for the SA U20s after robust runs by the midfield pair of Ethan Adams and Markus Muller had arrange play properly for the speedster to complete.
He was adopted over the whitewash by scrumhalf Hendré Schoeman earlier than Zekhethelo Siyaya, who was spectacular within the No 15 jersey on assault, scored their third transformed attempt to give the Junior Boks a 21-0 lead on the break.
Georgia began the second half extra decided, and the slippery circumstances meant a number of stop-start play because the gamers struggled with their dealing with.
The second half proved extra abrasive and disjointed, which examined the group’s self-discipline and defensive resolve. Regardless of the stress, the Junior Boks’ defence remained robust as they conceded just one strive, their just one in two matches.
Nika Khalvashi (wing) scored the hosts’ solely strive shortly after the break, from an amazing cross-kick, however Ahmed and Risima Khosa added two extra tries because the South Africans eased right into a well-deserved away win.
“The second half was very stop-start, so there have been some nice learnings for us right here in Georgia, as we’ll be enjoying right here once more throughout the Junior World Championship, which they are going to host,” added Foote.
“It was a very good effort to us for less than conceding one strive, which is essential and reveals our character, however we nonetheless have an extended technique to go as we head in the direction of the U20 Rugby Championship.”
The squad will return to South Africa over the weekend and could have a break earlier than assembling once more subsequent month at their coaching base in Stellenbosch.
Scorers:
Junior Springboks 35 (21) – Tries: Lindsey Jansen, Hendré Schoeman, Zekhethelo Siyaya, Yaqeen Ahmed, Risima Khosa. Conversions: Ahmed (5).
Georgia U20 5 (0) – Strive: Nika Khalvashi.
Issued by SA Rugby Communications
