Latest news with #KevinFoote
The Herald
3 days ago
- General
- The Herald
Junior Boks put Gqeberha heartache behind them
After the disappointment of ending third at the four-team U20 Rugby Championship in Gqeberha in May, the Junior Boks are ramping up preparations for the World Rugby Championship, which kicks off in Italy on June 29. Two training sessions against a visiting senior Kenyan side have been included in a three-week training camp which starts in Stellenbosch on Monday. The meetings with Kenya will be match simulation exercises, with the first set for June 9 and the second five days later on June 14, in Stellenbosch. Junior Bok coach Kevin Foote has included three new players in a training squad. He has welcomed back several familiar faces who are back from injury and United Rugby Championship duty in addition to three newcomers in Rambo Kubheka (loosehead prop), Shaun Schürman (hooker) and Ian van der Merwe (flyhalf). Returning to the squad are locks Jaco Grobbelaar and Arno van der Merwe, No 8 Stephanus Linde, and outside backs Jaco Williams and Alzeadon Felix. ' Rambo, who played for the SA U18s last year, has been doing very well for Hollywoodbets Sharks in the SA Rugby U21 Cup, while Shaun and Ian, a very good game driver and left-footed kicker, have also been in good form for the Vodacom Bulls U21s,' Foote said. 'Jaco Grobbelaar, who played for the Junior Boks last year, is back from his Vodacom URC duty with the Vodacom Bulls and will join us in week two, and Stephanus, who toured with us to Georgia earlier this year, returns after he picked up a knee injury in the FNB Varsity Cup. 'It's also good to welcome back from injury Jaco Williams, who has been training with the Sharks' URC team, Alzeadon Felix, who had a good Varsity Cup campaign, and Arno van der Merwe.' Foote said HB Odendaal (hooker), Neil Hansen (lock), Divan Fuller (flanker), and Matt Romao (flanker) have been ruled out due to injury, while JC Mars (fullback) would join the squad as soon as he had shrugged off a hamstring niggle. 'We're a very settled team now, with some guys coming back from injury and unfortunately some players being injured while on duty for their provinces in the SA Rugby U21 Cup,' Foote . 'We've kept the core of the squad together for a long time now; they're a great team off the field and have a good connection, which we think is very important for us going into the World Championship, also understanding how we want to play and our game model. 'There has been a lot of work done over the last few camps, including the tour to Georgia and the U20 Rugby Championship. 'Though we didn't get the results against Australia and New Zealand in Gqeberha, we've taken a lot of good learning from those experiences, and we feel we are very close to where we want to be.' Junior Springbok training squad: Props: Simphiwe Ngobese (Sharks), Ranon Fouché (Bulls), Oliver Reid (Western Province), Kubheka (Sharks), Jean Erasmus (Bulls), Tebogo Nkosi (Cheetahs), Herman Lubbe (Western Province). Hookers: Juandré Schoeman (Bulls), Siphosethu Mnebelele (Bulls), Shaun Schürmann (Bulls). Locks: Jaco Grobbelaar (Bulls), Riley Norton (Western Province), Arno van der Merwe (Cheetahs), Morné Venter (Lions), JJ Theron (Bulls), Zuko Phoswa (Western Province). Loose forwards: Xola Nyali (Western Province), Thando Biyela (Lions), Batho Hlekani (Sharks), Stephanus Linde (Cheetahs), Wandile Mlaba (Western Province). Scrumhalves: Haashim Pead (Lions), Ceano Everson (Sharks), Erich Visser (Cheetahs). Flyhalves: Vusi Moyo (Sharks), Ian van der Merwe (Bulls). Centres: Albie Bester (Sharks), Demitre Erasmus (Bulls), Gino Cupido (Western Province). Outside backs: Jaco Williams (Sharks), Siya Ndlozi (Western Province), Cheswill Jooste (Bulls), Gilermo Mentoe (Lions), Alzeadon Felix (Lions), Scott Nel (Sharks). Utility back: Dominic Malgas (Western Province). The Herald
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Baby Boks coach Foote says his men learnt plenty from Rugby Championship ahead of World Cup
Springboks Under-20 coach Kevin Foote beleives valuable lessons have been learnt by his young young charges ahead of the World Under-20 Championship. Photo: AFP Image: AFP The Junior Springboks fell short in their bid to capture the Under-20 Rugby Championship but coach Kevin Foote said the players can take positives from their courageous effort against the young New Zealand on Saturday. New Zealand held on to beat the Junior Springboks 48-45 in front of close to 15 000 spectators at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium to retain the title in dramatic fashion. South Africa had led 26-24 at the break. Foote said his players should be proud of their effort after being outscored by eight tries to seven. 'There are a lot of positives to take from that performance; we are on a massive journey together and I only met Riley Norton and the guys in November. We are working hard on our game model and principles which everyone understands now,' said Foote. 'From a character and leadership perspective, we are in a good place. The lessons we learnt will be of huge benefit as we approach the World Under-20 Championship next month in Italy.' The South Africans played their part in a breathtaking attacking game against the Kiwis, which delivered more than 90 points and went down to the wire, with New Zealand under huge pressure and playing with 13 men at the end. Reaction from #JuniorBoks coach Kevin Foote: 'We know we are not the finished product and we have a lot of work to there are a lot of positives to take from that performance' - more here: 🗣#JourneyToGreatness #TRCU20 — SA Junior Rugby (@SAJuniorRugby) May 11, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'I think Melusi (Mthethwa, the team's backline coach) has done a great job in terms of our attack and I feel that the players have clarity on how we want to play,' said Foote. 'We played some exciting rugby during the tournament and just to hear the crowd get behind us when we started to light it up was exceptional. 'We know we are not the finished product, and we have a lot of work to do, but think our attack has come a long way and the guys are loving what they do with the ball.' Foote said the Junior Bok coaching staff will send some players back to their provincial unions to play in the SA Rugby Under-21 Cup competition: 'We will take it case by case, but some must get game time. 'It's a strong competition and the players are well-coached. We are keen for them to keep going. There will be some whose load will be managed, we will do our medicals and take it case by case.' The #JuniorBoks fought to the bitter end of #TRCU20, with magnificent support in Gqeberha and all over South Africa. We go again in a few weeks' time - thanks for backing our boys 🇿🇦#JourneyToGreatness — SA Junior Rugby (@SAJuniorRugby) May 11, 2025 SA Under-20 captain Riley Norton, who again had a solid game at lock, was also full of praise for the players' efforts, on and off the field. 'To have played these high-pressure games against quality opposition before the World Champs is going to be vital for us,' said Norton. 'The lessons we learnt, the connections and relationships we have built, not only on the field but off it, and the trust we have created, are extremely important. Norton also praised the Eastern Cape crowd for their support during the thrilling encounter: 'It was a massive honour for us to play in front of such a passionate crowd. "They came out in numbers on a Sunday afternoon, and we are privileged to represent them and play for the country. We want to say thank you to the people of Gqeberha for the support and hospitality throughout our three-week long stay here.'
News24
11-05-2025
- Sport
- News24
Junior Boks fall agonisingly short in epic NZ clash
The Junior Springboks narrowly lost to New Zealand 48-45 in a thrilling Under-20 Rugby Championship finale. Coach Kevin Foote praised his team's attack, character, and progress, calling the game a positive learning experience. The team remains focused on improving ahead of the U20 World Championship in Italy. The Junior Springboks fell short in their bid to capture the Under-20 Rugby Championship when they lost to New Zealand in Gqeberha on Sunday, but SA U20 head coach Kevin Foote said the players can take huge positives from their courageous effort against the young Kiwis. New Zealand held on to beat the Junior Springboks 48-45 in front of close to 15 000 spectators at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium to retain the title in dramatic fashion, after South Africa led 26-24 at the break. Speaking to the media afterwards, Foote said his players can be proud of their effort, although they just fell short in a brilliant, high-scoring, and hugely entertaining match. 'There are a lot of positives to take from that performance; we are on a massive journey together and I've only met Riley Norton and the guys back in November, so we are definitely working hard on our game model and principles which everyone understands now,' said Foote. 'From a character and leadership perspective, we are in in a good place, and the lessons we learnt will be of huge benefit as we approach the World Rugby U20 Championship next month in Italy.' The South Africans played their part in a breathtaking attacking game, which delivered more than 90 points and went down to the wire, with New Zealand under huge pressure and playing with 13 men at the end. 'I think Melusi (Mthethwa, the team's backline coach) has done a great job in terms of our attack and I really feel that the players have clarity on how we want to play,' said Foote. 'We played some exciting and brilliant attacking rugby during the tournament and just to hear the crowd get behind us when we started to light it up was exceptional. 'We know we are not the finished product, and we know we have a lot of work to do, but I do think our attack has come a long way and the guys are loving the way we are attacking.'
News24
08-05-2025
- Sport
- News24
Baby Boks' Wallaby Rugby Champs stumble leaves them with massive mountain to climb
South Africa 29-24 humbling at the hands of Australia in their Under-20 Rugby Championship wasn't just their second consecutive defeat to the Junior Wallabies, but impacted their chances of winning the tournament. They'll need a favour from Argentina in the last round of games on Sunday, from where they'll have to beat New Zealand by a bonus point. The SA Under-20s have continued to flatter to deceive since their 2012 success on the world stage. For more, please visit News24 Sport's dedicated rugby section. A team rebounding from 17-0 down to win a game isn't new across all levels of rugby. The bigger concern, though, for the Junior Springboks, who lost 29-24 to Australia at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Tuesday, was the gradual capitulation that allowed the visitors to build a second-half innings that ultimately won the game. Even for Under-20s, it is understandable that games can be won or lost from that particular position, especially if there's a mental switch-off for more than 35 minutes. This was the case for Kevin Foote's side, who had to endure a second consecutive loss to Australia across two Under-20 Rugby Championship editions. Last year, under Bafana Nhleko's guidance, the SA Under-20s stuttered to a 24-19 loss to Australia after drawing their opening game 13-13 against the Junior All Blacks in Bokarina. The manner of that loss wasn't as deflating considering how they went toe-to-toe, even though they had players off the field for yellow and red card offences in the second half that allowed Australia to have a foothold they didn't fully relinquish. With 14 points in three minutes from a pick-and-drive try, along with some unexpected forward dominance, the Australians effectively put the game to bed at 26-17 in the 74th minute. The loss leaves South Africa with an absolute mountain to climb as they face a New Zealand side they must beat with a bonus point, while also hoping that Argentina, who were flattened 75-21 by New Zealand in Tuesday's early game, get one over Australia. READ | Coach Foote after Junior Boks let slip 17-0 lead: 'Australia deserve a lot of credit' New Zealand, who are the defending champions, leads the four-team tournament with seven points after their 29-29 draw against Australia, from where they cleaned out Argentina. Australia, who are on six points, could narrow the race between them and New Zealand if they beat Argentina with a bonus point. South Africa are on five points and can only finish on 10, with New Zealand and Australia having a bench-mark of 12 and 11, respectively. As much as South Africa's schoolboy rugby scene is comfortably the best in the world, with Under-18 players coming out of every corner, the step up to Under-20 has been such a difficult one that several coaches have failed to solve the conundrum. Foote is the latest to try and figure out how he can take the Junior Springboks to the next level, with the group having last won the World Rugby Under-20 Championship in 2012. They last visited the final in New Zealand in 2014 under Dawie Theron, who was also at the helm two years previously. Whether Foote has a starting 15 or a strong bench is something he needs to fret over in the coming two days. His bench rescued the Argentina game from 25-15 down, and the starters controlled the game at 17-0 until the 46th minute, from where Australia had their 29 minutes of 29 points. Who he picks can't even be termed a gamble because, for all the riches South African junior rugby has at its disposal, its Under-20 failure is becoming a sore point. There is an opportunity to salvage pride that was decimated by the second half somnolence they can ill-afford against New Zealand.
The Citizen
07-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Coach: Junior Boks ready for ‘tails-up' New Zealand
Coach Kevin Foote says the Junior Springboks are 'highly motivated' to bounce back from a sloppy U20 Rugby Championship performance against Australia when they take on New Zealand on Sunday. South Africa conceded 29 unanswered points to surrender a 17-point lead at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium yesterday before scoring a late try to go down 29-24 to the spirited Australia U20s who controlled the field in the second half. 'We got pegged down in our own half after half time, and a few turnovers gave them opportunities and momentum,' said Foote. 'I think Australia deserve a lot of credit for staying in the fight, they're gutsy and did well at that. We turned over too much ball and the defensive pressure became big for us. 'The number one thing to improve on is probably to look after our ball and making sure we don't give it up too easily, as well as our discipline to not concede soft penalties.' Junior Bok captain Riley Norton also emphasised the number of penalties conceded and Australia's territorial advantage. 'I thought we had a great first half and I thought our game drivers were doing very 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 U20 Championship. 'We can go back and look at the positives and try to improve on the things 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 yesterday, and Foote realises a big step up will be required from the Junior Boks when take on their kiwi counterparts on Sunday. 'This will be a huge fixture for us – they play with a great tempo and have their tails up, so they will be great opposition,' said Foote. 'The team will be very highly motivated for the New Zealand match.' 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, Australia and Argentina face off at 14:00, while the Junior Boks wrap up their tournament against New Zealand at 16:10. The post Foote: Junior Boks ready for 'tails-up' New Zealand appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
