Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote credited his team’s renowned, trademark South African 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 U20 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 South Africa’s first U20 Championship title in 13 years, following their triumph over New Zealand in the 2012 final at a packed Newlands in Cape Town.
Speaking after the final whistle, 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 tryline for long periods of time.
“Defence is all about character, and there were moments when New Zealand were right on our line, but we held firm,” said Foote said.
“From a coach’s perspective, you can’t ask for more than that. It was a real South African 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’ve achieved now is amazing. Being on this journey with them has been incredibly special, and I’ll never take it for granted.”
Foote added that he 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 belief, and I’m incredibly proud of what they’ve 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 Bok 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,” said Norton. “That’s thanks to our conditioning and the fact that we’re used to training in similar summer weather back home.”
The Junior Springboks are expected to arrive back in South Africa on Monday morning, landing in Johannesburg before the players return to their respective provincial unions.