Latest news with #U20Championship
IOL News
13 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Five players to watch as Junior Springboks gear up for Currie Cup challenge
Scrumhalf Haashim Pead, who starred for the Junior Boks at the World Rugby U20 Championship, will be one of the players looking to make it at senior level should he get an extended run at the Lions in the Currie Cup this season. Image: Maurilio Boldrini / World Rugby After their success at the World Rugby U20 Championship, several Junior Springboks will get a well-deserved break, but then it is straight back into the Currie Cup at their respective unions. While the tournament, kicking off this weekend, is not as prestigious as in previous years, the developmental aspect of it could aid some of the U20 players taking part. This will be a perfect platform from which they can launch their senior careers, looking at cracking a nod at their United Rugby Championship (URC) franchises. We look at five players who must take the next step in their careers. Haashim Pead (Lions) The Junior Bok vice-captain could be the perfect understudy to Springbok Morné van den Berg when it comes to the URC. For that to happen, the Lions must back him in the Currie Cup and give him as many minutes as possible to find his feet. Pead has the pedigree to become great at the union, but it will all depend on how they utilise him. His instinctive plays will suit the Lions' game. He is quick behind the breakdown, and Pead has this ability to see space that few scrumhalves in South Africa possess. His kicking game will also benefit from senior rugby. Batho Hlekani (Sharks) Hopefully, the Durban side will have a proper plan and pathway for his special talent after showing off his all-around skills in the U20 Championship. Hlekani was the physical heartbeat of the Baby Boks. But he is not just a strong defender, although the opposition felt his hard hits right through the tournament, Hlekani is also a strong ball carrier. While he knows how to take the ball up into tackles with his direct plays, he also has a keen eye for gaps and a great turn of pace. Vusi Moyo (Sharks) Another young South African flyhalf with a good all-round game. He was running the attacking show of the Junior Boks alongside Pead and looked to be in total control when it came to spreading the ball down the backline or taking it up himself. Moyo can be physical too and doesn't back down from the dirty work in contact. He compliments that attacking gameplay well with his kicking and he looks so calm with the ball in hand or when putting it up in the sky. The real test will come when he plays against seasoned Currie Cup players. Cheswill Jooste (Bulls) He's been likened to Springbok winger Cheslin Kolbe for his pace and stepping exploits during the tournament, and the way he scored tries, chased high kicks, and sidestepped opponents showed why he was one of the stars of the side. The Bulls' game will suit Jooste and the players around him should be able to get him into space whenever he gets a run for the side. He ran circles around his opposition in Italy, but must now step it up against some of his teammates who know him and other more experienced wings in the tournament. Riley Norton (Western Province) A leader of men and Western Province will have to look after their Junior Springbok-winning captain in the future. While they have some big names when it comes to the lock position, it will be crucial to get Norton involved in their campaign. Alongside Hlekani, Norton led the physical charge of the team throughout the tournament. However, his leadership qualities and how he kept his team calm and fighting stood out. He leads by example when it comes to the physical things on the field and a campaign against hardened senior players will stand him in good stead.
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
U20 champions of the rugby world, Junior Boks are back in SA
The under-20 team beat New Zealand in the final in Italy at the weekend, to win their first title in 13 years. Junior Boks captain Riley Norton shows off the U20 Championship trophy to fans at OR Tambo International airport on Monday. Picture: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images The all-conquering Junior Springboks have returned home from Italy where they won the World Rugby U20 Championship on Saturday, by beating their New Zealand counterparts 23-15 in the final. Kevin Foote's team went unbeaten in the tournament. They recorded good wins against Australia, England and Scotland in pool play and then triumphed against Argentina in the semi-finals. It was South Africa's first win at under-20 level in 13 years. A small group of cheering fans welcomed the players and coaches back to South Africa on Monday morning. 'This is a very proud day for rugby in South Africa, and I would like to congratulate Kevin and the team on an outstanding performance in the tournament,' said Mark Alexander, the president of the SA Rugby Union. 'The group have been welded into a formidable unit over the course of this year and many of them have the potential to go on to higher honours, I am sure. 'Their victory is a tribute to all the hard work done at high school level by educators and coaches, and at our provincial unions from whom these players are drawn. 'Appointing a head coach in Kevin, who has franchise experience, was also an important part of the progress this group have shown, and I would like to commend him, his backroom team, and the High Performance Department at SA Rugby for what they have achieved in such a short space of time.' Fans interact with Junior Boks players at their arrival in the country on Monday morning. Picture: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images Play at a higher level Junior Boks flyhalf Vusi Moyo finished the tournament as the top points' scorer with 63, while Haashim Pead scored six tries, placing him second for the most five-pointers behind Georgia's Mikheili Shioshvili (7). Foote said after the final in Rovigo on Saturday, a number of the under-20 players should now be considered for senior duty in the Currie Cup and possibly even the United Rugby Championship next season. 'I actually think quite a lot of them could make the step up. Once you put these guys in the right environment they will flourish,' said Foote. 'This is such a talented group and in the right environment they will kick on. I think you are going to see a lot of these names going forward for South African rugby and in the URC.'
The South African
2 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Three U20 stars destined to become Springboks
The Junior Springboks provided an encouraging indication that South African rugby remains in remarkable health as they powered to the U20 Championship title with a resounding win over New Zealand this past weekend. There were a host of highlights during the tournament, and although it's almost unfair to single out players when it was such a special team effort overall, there is no doubt that some individuals truly put up their hands to be recognised as stars for the future. Haashim Pead In recent years, the Springboks have impressively expanded their depth at scrumhalf, with no less than four No 9s travelling to the 2023 World Cup. What is now hugely exciting for the future is the emergence of Junior Springbok sensation Haashim Pead, who consistently set the U20 tournament alight. Boasting incredible pace, X factor and a strong kicking game, there is every reason to believe that the 20-year-old could receive a call up to the Springboks sooner rather than later. Bathobele Hlekani Now, hold the phone. If there is another player to get truly excited about, Hlekani stands quite literally heads and shoulders above the rest. Standing at 1.93 m tall (6 ft 4 in) and weighing in at around 115 kg, the Junior Springboks' blindside flank sometimes appeared like a man amongst boys as so many opponents felt the full force of his physicality. Despite his size, Hlekani also posseses plenty of pace, a strong step and good hands, and he undoubtedly has all the attributes to be the next big thing in South African rugby. Riley Norton Pure talent runs through the veins of the Junior Springboks' captain, who also represented South AFrica in the 2024 U19 Cricket World Cup. Having shifted his focus to rugby, the talented 19-year-old certainly caught the eye as a result of his excellent leadership and consistent on-field performances. The athletic lock is a tackling machine, as reflected by his tally of 24 in the final, and there is simply no doubt that a player with his personality and potential will be firmly on the radar of Rassie Erasmus. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
OPINION: Winning teams bring cheer to South Africa
From Banyana to the Boks to the U20 rugby stars, there was plenty to cheer this last weekend. Bathobele Hlekani of South Africa celebrates with his team-mates and the trophy after the Junior Boks won the U20 Championship in Italy. Picture:When it's good, it's really good. There is nothing quite like the South African sports fan … when our teams win and are successful we're the best supporters out there, but when we lose, we can moan for days. But today we can all be proudly South African and celebrate a great sporting weekend. And we're not quite done yet either because there's some way to go for the Proteas, who're playing in a tri-series tournament in Zimbabwe, while Banyana Banyana are still in the running to defend their Wafcon title, so there could be more celebrations to come. But for now, let's celebrate Banyana, who have qualified for the Wafcon semifinals after beating Senegal 4-1 on penalties on Saturday night in Morocco. They next face Nigeria on Tuesday. Before Andile Dlamini's shot-stopping heroics, our rugby teams got the SA flag flying high with the reigning world champions, the Springboks, and the Junior Boks winning important matches. Future stars Siya Kolisi, back after a lengthy injury break, led the Boks to a big 55-10 win against Georgia in Mbombela; the side wrapping up their mid-year Tests unbeaten. They will next turn their attention to the Rugby Championship and bigger challenges, but things are looking good for Rassie Erasmus and his charges. And then it was the turn of Riley Norton and his powerful Junior Boks team to beat their New Zealand counterparts in the final of the U20 Championship, to lift the title for the first time in 13 years. What a performance that was by our young players and future Bok stars. Just like the senior Boks, who didn't lose a game in the last four weeks, Norton's team went unbeaten through the tournament in Italy, to be crowned junior champions of the world. We cannot wait to see how these young stars of the future develop and progress in their careers. All of these achievements and wins come not long after Temba Bavuma's Test Proteas won the championship final in London, beating Australia inside four days. It's good being a South African sports fan right now, so let's all enjoy it.
The Herald
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald
World champion Junior Boks displayed great tenacity — Foote
Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote credited his team's renowned, trademark SA grit and fighting spirit for their victory over New Zealand in the World Rugby U20 Championship final in Italy on Saturday evening. SA U20 captain Riley Norton and the Junior Boks lifted the world crown on a humid evening in Rovigo, Italy, finishing the tournament unbeaten after a pulsating final against their fiercest rugby rivals. The hard-fought 23-15 win delivered SA's first U20 Championship title in 13 years, after their triumph over New Zealand in the 2012 final at a packed Newlands in Cape Town. Foote praised his team's defensive resolve and refusal to let the Kiwis back into the game, even when they were camped on the SA try line for long periods. 'Defence is all about character and there were moments when New Zealand were right on our line, but we held firm,' he said. 'From a coach's perspective, you can't ask for more than that. 'It was a real SA defensive effort and gees {spirit] that won it for us today.' Foote, who took over as Junior Bok head coach at the end of last year, also described his winning squad as a special group of young rugby players. 'I love our country and the Springboks, and I love working with this age group,' he said. 'To see these young men grow from training in December to what they have achieved now is amazing. 'Being on this journey with them has been incredibly special, and I'll never take it for granted.' Foote said he had always believed in his team, even when the New Zealanders were pushing hard to regain control. 'I looked at the players on the field and saw their body language — they were so present and in the moment. 'They had such a belief, and I'm incredibly proud of what they have achieved here in Italy.' Norton, who led from the front, said: 'The ball was so slippery, and your fundamentals had to be spot-on in these conditions, which was tough. 'There were a few handling errors due to the incredible humidity, and our jerseys were absolutely drenched in sweat, but I think we handled the conditions well. 'This win is for everyone who supported us back home.' The Junior Boks captain also credited their intense training in Stellenbosch for helping them adapt to the Italian summer heat. 'We actually adapted very well to the local conditions, even though it was winter when we left Stellenbosch,' he said. 'That's thanks to our conditioning and the fact that we are used to training in similar summer weather back home.' The Junior Springboks are expected to arrive back in SA on Monday morning. Scorers: Junior Springboks 23 (13) — Tries: Xola Nyali , Gilermo Mentoe. Conversions: Vusi Moyo (2). Penalty goals: Moyo (3). New Zealand 15 (5) — Tries: Jayden Sa , Maloni Kunawave. Conversion: Will Cole. Penalty goal: Rico Simpson. — SA Rugby Communications
