Vital lessons learnt during a tough tour to Georgia in February will ensure the Junior Springboks are battle hardened when they face Argentina in Gqeberha on Thursday, SA coaching consultant Johan Ackermann says.
The Under-20 Rugby Championship kicks off with a double-header at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium with New Zealand taking on Australia (2pm kickoff) before the Boks face a formidable Argentina side at 4.10pm.
After their opener against the South Americans, the Boks have matches against Australia next Thursday before what could be a championship decider against New Zealand next Sunday.
The Boks are in the final stages of their preparations and eager to showcase their skills against some of the world’s best U20 teams.
Looking back on their recent successful tour to Georgia, where the Junior Boks secured a 2-0 series win, Ackermann emphasised the importance of the lessons learnt.
“The players are really looking forward to this exciting challenge that lies ahead in Gqeberha,” he said.
“The Boks are playing against three of the best teams in the world in New Zealand, Argentina and Australia.
“We recently went to Georgia and saw things we really had to work on when we won the two matches there.
“So, we are working hard these next couple of days, and did so even before the Easter break, to be prepared for when the tournament kicks off.”
Ackermann and assistant coach Lumumba Currie are focusing on the forwards, which highlights the importance of set pieces in SA’s preparations.
“We are working hard on our set piece because we know we are up against some of the best international teams that are going to test us on all fronts,” Ackermann said.
The former Springbok lock, who has extensive coaching experience in SA, the UK and Japan, also expressed his excitement about playing in the Eastern Cape.
“It’s always good to be in the Eastern Cape where there is such a passion for the game,” he said.
“We have a wonderful group of boys who are eager to learn and are looking forward to testing their skills against the best in the southern hemisphere.”
Ackermann also noted the significance of hosting international rugby in the Eastern Cape.
He recalled the last time the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium hosted international matches was in 2021, when the Springboks and Argentina met twice, but with no spectators in attendance due to Covid-19 restrictions.
The Boks are aiming to go one better than second place in the 2024 event, which was held on the Sunshine Coast in Australia.
“The Georgia tour was fantastic for many reasons,” Boks head coach Kevin Foote said.
“We went there to ensure we connected as a group and it was great to see the team bonding so well.
“The time we spent together was invaluable, laying a strong foundation as we move into the rest of the season.
“We have an amazing group of players and staff, and I’m incredibly grateful to SA Rugby and Georgia for making this experience possible.
“Our goal was to play games and test ourselves, and training against the Lelo Saracens and playing two matches against Georgia provided just that,” he said.
“They challenged us physically and it was crucial for us to understand our game better.”
Gqeberha fixtures:
Thursday May 1, 2pm: New Zealand vs Australia, 4.10pm: Junior Boks vs Argentina.
Tuesday May 6, 2pm: New Zealand vs Argentina, 4.10pm: Junior Boks vs Australia.
Sunday May 11, 2pm: Argentina vs Australia, 4.10pm: Junior Boks vs New Zealand.
Tickets are priced at R20 a person and will be available at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium ticket office or online from Webtickets.
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