The Junior Springboks wrapped up an unbeaten U20 International Series with a nine-try victory over Georgia at Markötter Stadium in Stellenbosch on Saturday, completing a clean sweep after earlier wins over Chile and Fiji.
The final scoreline followed a dominant first half in which SA U20 led 38-7 at the break, though SA U20 head coach Kevin Foote acknowledged it was the sternest test of the three matches. "Georgia are strong at set piece and collisions, and they've got a lot of pride. This is exactly the kind of challenge we needed, especially with another clash against them looming in their home conditions," he said.
With the Junior World Championship set to be staged in Georgia in three weeks, the series served a dual purpose — competitive preparation and squad assessment. Foote used the opportunity to blood new players, reintegrate others and manage returns from injury, and is now faced with trimming the group to 30. "That's not going to be easy, given the talent we have available," he said, adding that squad balance and established combinations will weigh alongside individual form in the final selection.
Captain and lock Riley Norton, who returned to his former school ground at Paul Roos Gymnasium, expressed confidence in the squad's readiness as the defending champions prepare to travel. "There's been a demanding schedule, but we've also had the opportunity to recover properly. The squad is feeling confident and united," said Norton, who also flagged the added difficulty of facing Georgia on home soil at the JWC: "They never go away, and we know playing them in their own backyard will be an even bigger challenge."