Junior Boks fall agonisingly short in epic NZ clash
The Junior Springboks narrowly lost to New Zealand 48-45 in a thrilling Under-20 Rugby Championship finale.
Coach Kevin Foote praised his team's attack, character, and progress, calling the game a positive learning experience.
The team remains focused on improving ahead of the U20 World Championship in Italy.
The Junior Springboks fell short in their bid to capture the Under-20 Rugby Championship when they lost to New Zealand in Gqeberha on Sunday, but SA U20 head coach Kevin Foote said the players can take huge positives from their courageous effort against the young Kiwis.
New Zealand held on to beat the Junior Springboks 48-45 in front of close to 15 000 spectators at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium to retain the title in dramatic fashion, after South Africa led 26-24 at the break.
Speaking to the media afterwards, Foote said his players can be proud of their effort, although they just fell short in a brilliant, high-scoring, and hugely entertaining match.
'There are a lot of positives to take from that performance; we are on a massive journey together and I've only met Riley Norton and the guys back in November, so we are definitely working hard on our game model and principles which everyone understands now,' said Foote.
'From a character and leadership perspective, we are in in a good place, and the lessons we learnt will be of huge benefit as we approach the World Rugby U20 Championship next month in Italy.'
The South Africans played their part in a breathtaking attacking game, which delivered more than 90 points and went down to the wire, with New Zealand under huge pressure and playing with 13 men at the end.
'I think Melusi (Mthethwa, the team's backline coach) has done a great job in terms of our attack and I really feel that the players have clarity on how we want to play,' said Foote.
'We played some exciting and brilliant attacking rugby during the tournament and just to hear the crowd get behind us when we started to light it up was exceptional.
'We know we are not the finished product, and we know we have a lot of work to do, but I do think our attack has come a long way and the guys are loving the way we are attacking.'
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