Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote has highlighted his side's maturity and tactical discipline as the standout positives from South Africa's 97-0 opening win over Chile in the U20 International Series at Rondebosch Boys' High School in Cape Town on Thursday.
While the scoreline reflected dominant attacking play, Foote was more focused on how the squad held its shape under conditions that can cause plans to unravel. "In a game like that, your plan can perhaps get a little loose, but I thought the players managed it well," he said.
With the squad only having assembled on Monday, Foote framed the match as a critical opportunity for fringe players to stake their claims both for the Junior World Championship and beyond. He credited the pathway structures around the group — schools, provincial unions and SA Rugby — for the depth on display. "Most of the squad members have come in and out of camps during the year, and that time together is invaluable. If they don't play together, they don't get to know each other and they don't learn how we want to play."
The return of Pieter van der Merwe from injury was another positive Foote singled out, noting that the lock's contribution from both a playing and leadership perspective was exactly the kind of return the squad needed. "Rehab can be a lonely place, so when someone returns and contributes in the way he did, that is a real positive for us."
Despite the margin, Foote was measured in his assessment of Chile, crediting them for their line speed and effort. He flagged Fiji and Georgia as different tests ahead. South Africa face Fiji at Wynberg Boys' High School on Tuesday.