Junior Boks coach Kevin Foote couldn't hide his satisfaction after his team demolished Chile with a staggering 97-0 scoreline in the U20 International Series game held at Rondebosch Boys’ High, Cape Town. The reigning U20 world champions put on a formidable show, crossing the try line 15 times against a struggling Chilean side.
Foote applauded his squad's steadfast focus throughout the match. "I am happy [with the result], but for me it was more about the maturity of the group," he commented.
"In a game like that, your plan can perhaps get a little loose, but I thought the players managed it well."
He emphasized the importance of the game as a platform for players to vie for spots in the upcoming Junior World Championship and to signal their potential for future selections.The depth of the Junior Boks was also a point of pride for Foote, as he noted the seamless integration of players into the lineup. "Some of the players who came in showed they have got big futures ahead of them. They stayed hungry and kept working, and that is exactly what you want to see," Foote remarked. He was particularly pleased with Pieter van der Merwe's return from injury, highlighting his dual contribution in play and leadership.
Despite the one-sided affair, Foote insisted that the match was a constructive experience. "There were good things in the performance, but we want to keep pushing," he stated.
"Chile don’t always get the same opportunities that we do, but they brought fight, line speed and real effort. We are grateful to them for being here."
He acknowledged the upcoming challenges against Fiji and Georgia, recognizing that each team will test the Junior Boks in unique ways.Looking ahead, South Africa is set to face Fiji at Wynberg Boys’ High on Tuesday, promising another thrilling contest in this international series. With the Junior Boks showing such dominant form and depth, the anticipation for their next game is certainly mounting.