Latest news with #U20
The Citizen
2 hours ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Ackermann talks up star quality of Junior Bok players included in Rassie's training group
Junior Springbok loose forward Bathobele Hlekani, winger Cheswill Jooste, and scrumhalf Haashim Pead will join the senior side for a two-week training camp. Johan Ackermann has sung the praises of three U20 players who have been included in the upcoming Springbok training group. Loose forward Bathobele Hlekani, winger Cheswill Jooste, and scrumhalf Haashim Pead join 37 Test-capped Springboks for the two-week camp in Johannesburg starting on Sunday. It follows the side's triumphant World Rugby U20 Championship campaign, where Pead (six tries) and Jooste were two of the most dangerous backline players in the tournament. Hlekani was also solid in his carries to help lift the trophy. Ackermann served as a consultant for the Junior Springboks from January to July, finishing his stint on a high with their title win. Now appointed head coach of the Bulls, he leaves with fond memories from his time with the Junior Boks. 'I hope the future will have the same' 'It was a privilege working with them,' Ackermann said. 'The outstanding thing was the hunger they had. Even the players who didn't make the 30 [championship squad], the players we had to release, they were so hungry to do well. They were so eager to learn. I hope the future will have the same.' He said there was not one argument or incident of grumbling among the group, adding that coach Kevin Foote, assistant coach Melusi Mthethwa and captain Riley Norton were special in how they turned a talented group into one that could achieve greatness. Ackermann discussed the strengths of each player included in the Bok group at length. He said Jooste had 'tremendous feet'. 'He's extremely fast, and he's tough. If he needs to run through a guy, he will do it. Even if he doesn't have the size, he will take him on. He is not afraid in defence. If you give him space, he's gone.' The coach commended Pead, who broke France star Antoine Dupont's U20 record for running metres by a scrumhalf in the pool stages of the tournament. Pead ran 232 metres from 15 carries, surpassing Dupont's 227 set in 2016. Ackermann described Pead as an outstanding nine and one of the team's leaders. 'He brings a lot of calmness. He doesn't get fazed. His demeanour is relaxed and he takes that over to the game.' He said the youngster could see space like few could, and was good in his box kicking. Ackermann sees potential in powerhouse Hlekani 'Batho is a big man, strong. Good ball carrier, physical. I used him a lot for the mauls and we got him jumping, because when I got there he wasn't jumping in the lineouts. 'In a one-on-one tackle he can hit you. Probably his biggest work-on is that he sometimes tends to think he can keep everybody up because he is so strong, and then he loses metres.' He said the big man also needed to ensure his work rate didn't drop during the course of a full match, like it did in the semi-final against Argentina. 'So if he can keep his work rate up, he's got all the physical attributes to be a very good flanker.'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Pair Of Kraken Prospects Named To Finland's U-20 Roster; Czechia's Blueline Headlined By Kraken Prospect
Ahead of next week's World Junior Summer Showcase in Minnesota, a series of games involving four U-20 teams will take place in Vierumäki, Finland, on Sunday and Monday. Two teams from Finland – essentially an A-team and a B-team – will host the Czech and Swiss national junior teams once each.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Helenius & Hemming Highlight Finnish U-20 Roster In Home Tournament
Ahead of next week's World Junior Summer Challenge in Minnesota, a series of games involving four U-20 teams is taking place in Vierumäki, Finland on Sunday and Monday. Two teams from Finland – essentially an A-team and a B-team – will host the Czech and Swiss national junior teams once each.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lightning Prospect Featured On Team Finland's U-20 Roster
Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Joona Saarelainen was named to Team Finland's U-20 roster for their home tournament.
The Star
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Haashim Pead magic dust has been sprinkled on Junior Bok star Vusi Moyo: coach Foote
Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote feels playing next to star scrumhalf Haashim Pead has rubbed off positively on flyhalf sensation Vusi Moyo at the World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy. The SA U20 flyhalf has scored 50 points in the four games he has played to date, the most by any player of the 12 participating teams. He is once again expected to be key to the South African side's play when they face fierce New Zealand in the final on Saturday evening in Rovigo, in what promises to be a thrilling encounter between the two traditional rugby rivals. According to Foote, Moyo has had an unbelievable tournament. 'Vusi puts a lot into his training and has learnt a lot during his time playing next to Haashim, who's more experienced and played here last year,' said Foote. 'We saw what he did against England – kicking from over 50m. He'll take a lot of confidence into the final.' He was speaking from their Italian base of Valpolicella before of the much-anticipated clash. Grit and flair The Junior Boks have impressed throughout the tournament, with their semi-final victory over Argentina showcasing both attacking flair and defensive grit. Speaking to international media ahead of the big game, Foote praised the team's execution and resilience in their semi-final. 'Our strike plays were outstanding, and the defence was gutsy,' said Foote. 'New Zealand back their attack and they've grown in confidence as the tournament has progressed. Like us, they're passionate and composed – it's going to be a great game.' Skipper Riley Norton emphasised the team's belief and unity heading into the final: 'We've spoken a lot about backing ourselves. Pressure is always going to be there – it's been there throughout the tournament. 'But our confidence comes from our preparation. We haven't played in a final for 11 years, so this is a special moment. Each player truly cares for the team. It's less about pressure and more about excitement,' said Norton. Pead – the tournament's leading try scorer with six, plus a handful of try-assists – also credited the coaching staff for giving the backs the freedom to express themselves. 'Our tries have been a result of the platform laid by the coaches,' said the vice-captain. 'They've prepared us so well and given us the freedom to showcase our skills.' For Norton and Pead, the journey to the final has also been shaped by their experiences playing rugby at school level in South Africa – a fiercely competitive environment. 'It prepared us very well for a tournament like this,' said Norton, who captained Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch last year. 'We're used to big games at school, and we've always enjoyed them. Playing in front of huge, passionate crowds back home has definitely helped us handle the pressure.' Pead, who attended Bishops in Cape Town, echoed the sentiment: 'It's great to be part of a game of this magnitude, but it doesn't mean we need to change our preparation or approach. We'll stick to our routine, trust our processes, and enjoy the occasion.' Pead, Norton and Moyo are part of an unchanged Junior Springbok line-up to face New Zealand in the final in Rovigo. Kickoff is at 8.30pm.
