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AnalysisJunior BoksTimesLIVE Rugby30 Apr

Junior Boks target high-tempo game against dangerous Australia side

Norton and Currie are flagging a high-tempo, attack-first approach against an Australian side they respect — and for good reason, given the Junior Wallabies' recent record against SA.

Riley Norton and forwards coach Lumumba Currie are sending clear signals ahead of Sunday's U20 Rugby Championship clash with Australia in Gqeberha: the Junior Boks want fast ball, quick breakdowns, and sharp decision-making in the backline. After a 48-21 opening win over Argentina, the squad has reviewed what worked and what didn't — Norton specifically flagged late-game kicking decisions as an area to tighten up.

The Australia warning is well-founded. The Junior Wallabies led New Zealand 24-12 at half-time before two yellow cards cost them the match, and Currie points out they've beaten SA in the previous two U20 Rugby Championship editions. The Junior Boks got the better of them at last year's Junior World Championships in Italy, but there's no complacency here. SA lead the standings on five points heading into round two, with the squad buoyed by home support in Gqeberha. Prop Luan van der Berg has also been called in as injury cover for Kai Pratt. The team to face Australia will be announced Friday.

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