The Junior Springboks ran in 16 tries to crush Uruguay 104-7 in their 2026 Junior World Championship Pool A opener at the Avchala Stadium in Tbilisi on Saturday, but matchday captain Rambo Kubheka and hat-trick hero Jordan Steenkamp were quick to contextualise the result ahead of Thursday's meeting with hosts Georgia.
The defending champions led 50-0 at halftime in a performance that never let up. Markus Muller opened the scoring, with Khuthadzo Rasivhaga and Jayden Brits each crossing twice. Steenkamp and Risima Khosa both claimed hat-tricks, while Ethan Adams, Cheswill Jooste, Siphosethu Mnebelele and Gert Kemp also touched down. A penalty try was added before Uruguay grabbed a consolation score after the final hooter.
Kubheka started at loosehead and drove hard in the tight exchanges before being replaced at halftime, with squad captain Mnebelele assuming the armband for the second period. Despite the margin, Kubheka was measured in his assessment: "The boys played well and I couldn't have asked for more in our first game."
Head coach Kevin Foote acknowledged Uruguay's tenacity, noting their try after the hooter as evidence of the South Americans' character. Kubheka aligned with that view: "Playing against South American teams, you know what to expect. They play with pride, they are very passionate and they never go away."
The focus has already shifted to Thursday's pool clash against Georgia, a side the Junior Boks have faced three times already in 2026. "They are a hard-working, physical side and we are very clear about the challenge they will bring," said Kubheka.
Steenkamp echoed the cautious mood despite his personal haul: "We're pleased with the result, but we know we'll be tested again against Georgia." The winger credited the forward pack for the platform that allowed the backs to finish, and acknowledged Uruguay made the Junior Boks earn every opportunity.
The squad took Sunday as a recovery day before returning to preparations on Monday.