The Junior Springboks launched their World Rugby U20 Championship title defence with a 104-7 victory over Uruguay in Tbilisi on Saturday, leading 50-0 at half-time and conceding only after the final hooter. Wings Jordan Steenkamp and flanker Risima Khosa both scored hat-tricks in a ruthless attacking display.
Head coach Kevin Foote was encouraged not only by the scoreline but by the manner of the performance. "The players showed great intent from the start, and it's pleasing to begin the tournament with a strong performance," he said, noting that Uruguay remained competitive at the breakdown and tested South Africa in the lineouts despite the eventual margin.
Foote singled out the squad depth as an equally important takeaway. "There were plenty of strong performances and a number of players really put their hands up for selection — that's exactly what you want in a competition like this, where the whole squad will be needed." He confirmed rotation is planned for the next fixture, with opportunities to be handed to players yet to feature.
South Africa's next pool match is against hosts Georgia, who lost 24-25 to Wales in their tournament opener. Foote expects a sharp response from the hosts. "They'll be hurting after that loss and will come back strongly. We know they'll bring a big physical challenge, so we'll need to be ready for that."