Kevin Foote and Siphosethu Mnebelele praised the grit of the Junior Springboks after guiding them to back-to-back Junior World Championship titles on Saturday.
Leading France 6-0 at the break, the Junior Boks weathered heavy French pressure to secure their second straight crown with a 16-5 win in Tbilisi.
“It means everything to us; it means everything to South Africa,” head coach Foote said. “South Africa is a very special place and we are very lucky to represent our people.
“Right now, we’re just feeling incredibly grateful for the opportunity.”
RECAP: Junior Boks go back to back
The final, delayed by a lightning storm, tested the Junior Boks against a physical French side that surged for long periods.
“We knew France were big, physical and they just kept coming at us,” Foote said. “We had to soak up a lot of pressure, but the story of this team has been that they never give up.”
He credited his replacements for their impact off the bench, saying fresh legs at crucial moments had been a hallmark of the campaign.
Mnebelele, who also won the title last year, said this group forged its own identity along the way.
“This was a completely different team, different connections and a different journey,” the skipper said.
“One thing about this team is that we just keep grinding it out because of the care we have for each other. We talk about giving love on defence, giving love on attack, and doing it for the guy next to you and for the people back home.”
World Champions for a third time
South Africa defend their #JuniorWorldChampionship crown
#SSRugby pic.twitter.com/ONelVN9Zdu
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) July 18, 2026
He also described how the squad handled the pre-match delay.
“It was tough waiting because you prepare for a certain kick-off time and then suddenly you have to sit and wait.
“But this group is very adaptable. We made sure we stayed switched on and remained focused.”
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Watching the closing stages was nerve-wracking, he admitted.
“I was incredibly nervous watching, but I was so happy the boys managed to get the result. Now we’re going to celebrate together.”
The win gives South Africa a third Junior World Championship title, following 2012 and 2025. The squad returns home on Monday morning.
Photo: Tamuna Kulumbegashvili/World Rugby
The post Junior Bok champs ‘just kept grinding’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Kevin Foote and Siphosethu Mnebelele praised the grit of the Junior Springboks after guiding them to back-to-back Junior World Championship titles on Saturday.
The post Junior Bok champs ‘just kept grinding’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
