It won’t take much to improve on the previous clowns results
Johan Ackerman is also on board as a consultant
I don’t know much about the squad - two of last years good loosies are back and Riley Norton is an impressive sportsman having represented the SAu19 cricket side last season as a seam bowler. He is an unbelievable line out lock
Pieter vd Merwe was an outstanding Grey Bloem centre
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Imagine the excitement that fills the air as a fresh batch of rugby hopefuls get the call up to join the Junior Springboks. It's like Hogwarts for rugby players, but instead of wands and spells, it's all about passes and tackles. The Junior Springboks are gearing up for a European tour that promises to be as thrilling as a rollercoaster ride through the rugby heartlands of Georgia and Italy.
This year, Bafana Nhleko, the head honcho of the Junior Boks, has handed the reins over to his successor, Joey Mongalo, who will be leading the squad as head coach. Mongalo, stepping up from his previous role as the defense coach, is like the new sheriff in town, ready to marshal his young troops. His coaching ensemble includes Wessel du Plessis handling the forwards and kicking, while the backs and skills are under the watchful eyes of Naas Olivier and Jongi Nokwe, respectively.
The squad selection for this tour was no small affair. Picture the scene: coaches with furrowed brows, pouring over performance stats and game footage, making the tough calls. The chosen 30-man squad is a melting pot of talent from various nooks and crannies of South African rugby. Among them are six players who had a taste of international play last year, bringing a dash of experience to the table. These seasoned lads include the likes of Suleiman Hartzenberg, Ruan Venter, and the dynamic duo of Duran Koevort and Corné Lavagna, all ready to add some seasoned spice to the mix.
But let's not forget the newcomers, the rookies who are probably still pinching themselves to make sure they're not dreaming. Players like Izan Esterhuizen and Keagan Smith are gearing up to show what they're made of on the big stage. It's their chance to turn potential into prowess, under the watchful eyes of their new rugby mentors.
The tour itself is a buffet of rugby delights. The Junior Boks will kick things off against the ever-challenging Georgia U20 in Tbilisi. Imagine the clash of titans as these young warriors test their mettle against the best Georgia has to offer. Post this, they'll head to Verona, where they'll face off against Italy U20. It's not just a game; it's an opportunity to soak in the rich rugby culture of Italy and maybe, just maybe, a bit of their famed gelato.
But there's more! This tour isn't just about winning games (although let’s be honest, that's pretty high up on the agenda). It's also about building a team that embodies the spirit and skill of South African rugby. It's about forging bonds that will turn teammates into brothers-in-arms. It's about learning, growing, and maybe, just maybe, laying the groundwork for future legends of the game.
Joey Mongalo, the man with the plan, is not just focusing on the now. He's got his eyes on the prize — that is, the World Rugby U20 Championship set to take place in July. This tour is a crucial stepping stone towards that goal. It's about testing tactics, building stamina, and honing skills. Mongalo and his coaching team are like master chefs, carefully seasoning their young squad to taste victory.
So, as the Junior Springboks embark on this grand European adventure, it's not just about the games they'll win or the tries they'll score. It's about the journey, the experiences, and the memories they'll make. It's about growing a new generation of rugby greats. And who knows? In a few years, we might just be watching some of these young stars lighting up the stage in the senior Springbok green and gold, making their mark on the world stage.
For now, let's rally behind these young Boks as they set off on a tour that's sure to be filled with drama, excitement, and, of course, top-notch rugby. Go Bokkies!