Siphosethu Mnebelele and Heinrich Theron reveal how the Junior Springboks will refocus for their Junior World Championship Pool A decider after a bruising win over Georgia.
Mnebelele says the South Africans’ ability to stay composed under pressure proved decisive as they overcame hosts Georgia 33-5 in Tbilisi on Thursday, setting up a tantalising clash with Wales next Tuesday.
“We knew it was always going to be a tough match against Georgia,” the skipper said. “We’ve played them several times this year and every encounter has been physical and highly competitive. Credit to the team for staying composed and finding a way to get the win under difficult circumstances.
“We’re grateful for the result, but now the focus shifts to recovery and preparing for another big challenge against a strong Wales side. We’ll use the turnaround well, refresh, and be ready to go again.”
FOOTE: Georgia gave us the fight we expected
Hooker Mnebelele, a member of last year’s title-winning Junior Bok squad in Italy, crossed twice from driving mauls in the first half as the pack ground down a spirited Georgian challenge.
Theron, who partnered JD Hattingh in the second row, was equally influential, helping Kevin Foote’s charges dominate the scrums and disrupt Georgia’s lineout ball.
Theron credited the squad’s resilience in overcoming a fired-up Georgian side backed by a passionate home crowd.
“They really came hard at us, which we expected because they are such a physical side and a very proud rugby nation,” the lock said.
REPORT: Giliomee stars as Junior Boks skin Georgia
“We stayed in the fight after they made a fiery start; but we did what South Africans do. We met the challenge and although there are areas where we can improve on, I think we can be pleased with the result and the effort of the whole team.
“We are a very close-knit group that loves playing for each other and our country. Our defence was solid and we took our opportunities on attack. We’re happy with the win, but now our focus turns to a crucial match against Wales.”
Thursday’s win was the Junior Boks’ second bonus-point victory from as many matches, keeping the Junior Boks unbeaten and top of Pool A on 10 points – one point clear of Wales. New Zealand lead Pool B on 10 points, while Argentina and Australia head Pool C, also on 10 points.
The final round of pool matches all takes place next Tuesday, with the four semi-finalists to be confirmed ahead of the knockout phase.
Photo: @SAJuniorRugby/X
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Siphosethu Mnebelele and Heinrich Theron reveal how the Junior Springboks will refocus for their Junior World Championship Pool A decider after a bruising win over Georgia.
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