Kevin Foote and Siphosethu Mnebelele couldn't have been prouder of the perseverance shown by the Junior Springboks, after steering the team to consecutive Junior World Championships. After maintaining a slim lead of 6-0 up to half-time, the young Boks overcame intense challenges to clinch a 16-5 victory over France in Tbilisi on Saturday.
"It means everything to us; it means everything to South Africa. South Africa is a very special place and we are very lucky to represent our people. Right now, we’re just feeling incredibly grateful for the opportunity."
The final showdown had been postponed due to a lightning storm, presenting a tough physical contest against the French team, renowned for their relentless attack.
"We knew France were big, physical and they just kept coming at us. We had to soak up a lot of pressure, but the story of this team has been that they never give up."
Foote highlighted the crucial role the bench played, with substitutions bringing much-needed vigor at critical moments in the game, a strategy that has been central to their campaign's success.
Reflecting on the team dynamics, captain Mnebelele, who also celebrated last year's title, pointed out the distinctive essence of this squad.
"This was a completely different team, different connections and a different journey. One thing about this team is that we just keep grinding it out because of the care we have for each other. We talk about giving love on defence, giving love on attack, and doing it for the guy next to you and for the people back home."
The unexpected delay before the match tested the team's adaptability, an area where Mnebelele felt they excelled. Despite the tension of the adjusted kickoff, the team remained engaged and focused.
Watching the final moments unfold was a tense experience for Mnebelele, but the joy of victory soon took over. The team now anticipates celebrating their hard-fought title together.
The victory marked South Africa's third in the Junior World Championships, a testament to their sustained excellence following their victories in 2012 and 2025. The team is scheduled to return home on Monday morning.
The triumph is not just a testament to skill and strategy but also to the indomitable spirit of a young team who continued to push their limits, embodying the true heart of South African rugby.
