Junior Springbok attack coach Melusi Mthethwa has credited the composure and collective belief of the SA U20s after they overturned an eight-point halftime deficit to beat England 53-37 and reach the Junior World Championship final against France.
Trailing 20-12 at the break, the Junior Boks produced a dominant second-half display to run out convincing winners, with wing Khuthadzo Rasivhaga crossing three times as South Africa converted platform into points.
Mthethwa said the coaching staff had anticipated England's fast start and focused their halftime message on precision rather than panic. "We knew the first half was going to be very, very tough. They had a plan and they tried to stop us, and they did that very well. Credit to the boys – they handled that well," he said. "At halftime we identified a few opportunities we needed to take. In the second half we were able to take control and those opportunities, which was great."
Rasivhaga echoed that reading of the match, saying the squad had specifically prepared for England's early intensity. "We spoke about it during the week and we knew England were going to come hard in that first 40 minutes. We had to contain them and stay in the fight, kept backing ourselves and stayed patient."
The wing was quick to deflect credit to the forwards for laying the groundwork in the second half. "The forwards did a fantastic job. We've worked hard together during the week, and they did exactly what was required. They gave us good ball and created the platform for us to play."
The squad took a training-free day on Tuesday, participating in a World Rugby coaching clinic with local junior clubs, before resuming preparations on Wednesday ahead of Saturday's final against France.