Disappointed Junior Bok coach Foote credits Aussies for gusty performance in Gqeberha

Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote credited Australia for staying in the fight and producing a gutsy second-half performance to edge South Africa in their Under-20 Rugby Championship clash in Gqeberha on Tuesday.

Australia overturned a 17-point deficit in a tactically astute second-half performance to beat the Junior Boks 29-24 in a game of two halves. The visitors dominated territory after the break as they grew in confidence, while the Junior Boks failed to capitalise on their opportunities, especially in the first half.

After the Junior Boks scored two first-half tries, Australia turned the tables in the second half by making good use of their scoring opportunities, while the hosts’ discipline at the breakdowns went missing.

“We got pegged down in our own half after half-time, and a few turnovers gave them opportunities and momentum,” said Foote, whose team beat Argentina in the opening round last week.

“Australia deserve a lot of credit for staying in the fight. They are gutsy. We turned over too much ball and the defensive pressure became a problem for us.

“The number one thing to improve on is probably to look after our ball and make sure we don’t give it up too easily, as well as our discipline. We conceded too many soft penalties.”

Junior Bok captain Riley Norton also emphasised the number of penalties conceded and the Aussies’ territorial advantage.

“I thought we had a great first half and our game drivers were doing well,” said Norton.

“In the second half we conceded some soft penalties at times and then we lost the territorial battle. These are valuable lessons for us before the World Rugby Under-20 Championship.

“We will look at the positives and try to improve on what we didn’t do well. It did not go our way today, but the boys are still positive, and we have one more game to play in the Championship, and we are excited for that.”

New Zealand scored 11 tries to three in their 75-21 victory over Argentina earlier on Tuesday, and Foote said they understand a big step up will be required when they take on their arch-rivals on Sunday.

“This will be a huge fixture for us – they play with a great tempo and have their tails up (after beating Argentina), so they will be tough opposition,” said Foote.

“The team will be highly motivated for the New Zealand match; we are playing at home, and facing New Zealand is an amazing Test match in itself.”

After two rounds, New Zealand lead the standings with seven points, followed by Australia on six, South Africa on five, and Argentina on zero.

On Sunday, the Aussies and Pumitas cross swords at 2pm, while the final match is at 4.10pm between the Junior Boks and the Kiwis.