Junior Boks Edge Georgia in Tough Opening Clash

(The Post News)- The South African Under-20 team kicked off their campaign with a solid performance at Avchala Stadium on Sunday, leading 26-17 at halftime before clinching the win with six tries and four conversions. The Georgian U20s fought back with five tries, but only managed to convert two.

Junior Bok coach Kevin Foote praised his team for pushing through a challenging encounter, noting that playing in unfamiliar conditions provided valuable lessons. He acknowledged their strong start but pointed out that the rising penalty count worked against them, an area that needs addressing ahead of the next match.

While moments of lost focus allowed Georgia to apply scoreboard pressure, Foote remained optimistic, particularly about their set-piece play. He highlighted improvements in the lineouts, mauls, and scrums but emphasised the need to refine their maul defence and maintain consistency across all aspects of the game.

He also commended the team’s defensive efforts, saying they managed general play well and showed good decision-making when in possession. Adapting to an opponent familiar with the conditions, especially after receiving a yellow card in the second half, was a challenge the team navigated effectively.

The Junior Boks had a blistering start, racing to a 19-0 lead within the first 16 minutes, thanks to tries from Gilermo Mentoe, Chijindu Okonta, and Dominic Malgas, with flyhalf Matthew Coetzee converting two. However, Georgia responded with three tries of their own, narrowing the gap to 19-17 before loose forward Divan Fuller crossed over just before halftime to restore a nine-point lead.

The second half saw Georgia grow in confidence, especially after Jaundré Schoeman’s yellow card in the 56th minute. The hosts took advantage, adding two more tries and a conversion to briefly take a 29-26 lead with 15 minutes remaining.

South Africa’s bench proved crucial, with replacements Cheswill Jooste and Xola Nyali scoring late tries to reclaim control and secure a well-earned win. The two sides will meet again on Friday for the final clash of the series.

Scorers:
Georgia U20: Tries – Shota Kheladze, Saba Laghedze (2), Beka Neparidze, Nugzar Kevkhisvili. Conversions – David Tsiklauri, Giorgi Sesiashvili.
Junior Springboks: Tries – Gilermo Mentoe, Chijindu Okonta, Dominic Malgas, Divan Fuller, Cheswill Jooste, Xola Nyali. Conversions – Matthew Coetzee (3), JT Kapank.