Junior World Cup Italy 2015
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The Junior Springbok squad for the 2015 World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Italy gpfoto 1
#8 Hanro Liebenberg (Vodacom Blue Bulls – captain)
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A motivated Junior Springbok squad flew out of Cape Town to Italy on Wednesday where they will compete in the World Rugby Under-20 Championship. The South Africans find themselves as one of the firm favourites after coming so close to beating England in a pulsating final last June in Auckland, New Zealand. The Junior Boks travel to Italy for this year’s instalment of the tough Under-20 Championship buoyed by a good 2-0 away series victory over Argentina. A fit and well-conditioned Junior Bok squad of 28 players will now attempt to become only the second South African team to lift the U20 Championship crown and thus following in the footsteps of the triumphant side of 2012. On Tuesday, the team completed their home preparations for the three-week long competition on with a strenuous workout in Stellenbosch, before attending the traditional capping ceremony later in the evening. Apart from the trials, the squad’s training camp of six weeks included two training matches against the Western Province Rugby Institute, a thrilling successful clash against a star-studded Varsity Cup Dream Team plus an away series against the formidable Los Pumitas. Junior Bok coach Dawie Theron said the squad were excited and looking forward to get to Italy after the long and intensive training camp.
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“The boys are rearing to go and we have a great team spirit,” said Theron. “They are in a very good conditioning shape and I am pleased with the amount of work we have done at our training base in Stellenbosch.” The added it was important to approach the tournament in a good, positive mind-set. According to him, the tour to Argentina played a huge part in their mental preparation for the annual showpiece. “We simulated our training and travelling activities according to our Italy tournament programme, so that we can ensure all of them have a proper understanding of the rigorous time that await them in Italy. “This is a well-balanced squad, with powerful forwards and really quick backs, so the coaching staff are really looking forward to see them play against quality opposition. We go there with high expectations but fully aware that we will have to work extremely hard during a very competitive tournament,” said Theron.
will lead a team on the field which includes seven young Blue Bull players for the crucial final group match of the Junior Springboks against Australia at the World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Italy. June 9, 2015 Hanro Liebenberg in action against Samoa on Saturday. Photo: Roger Sedres Hanro Liebenberg in action against Samoa on Saturday. Photo: Roger Sedres Seven players from the Blue Bulls were included in the team of the Junior Springboks for Wednesday’s crucial final group game at the World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Italy. WP centre EW Viljoen will earn a first starting berth for the team, which will play against Australia on Wednesday evening in the Pool B decider in Calvisano, Italy. He replaces Blue Bulls centre JT Jackson, who played in the previous Championship outings against Italy and Samoa. Jackson drops out of the match-23.
The South Africans open their fixture list on Tuesday, 2 June when they will be in action against hosts Italy in the Stadio San Michele in Calvisano. Next up is Samoa on Saturday, 6 June in Parma before they return to Calvisano for their last Pool B match against Australia. The playoffs are scheduled for 15 and 20 June.
Viljoen, who will anchor the midfield with provincial partner Daniel du Plessis, is one of two backline changes to the team that faced Samoa. His WP team-mate Khanyo Ngcukana, who played against Italy in the opening match, reclaims his place in the starting-15 in place of Grant Hermanus on the right wing.
The young Bulls number eight, Hanro Liebenberg,
WP flank Jacques Vermeulen, who started four matches for the Junior Boks in New Zealand last
Baby Boks beat France, finish third 2015-06-20 21:13 Cape Town - The Junior Springboks are the bronze medal winners of the 2015 World Rugby Under-20 Championship after beating France 31-18 on Saturday in Cremona, Italy. The South Africans were in command in the second half and led 28-8 at halftime thanks to four converted tries. France replied with a penalty and a try. After the break the young French, playing against a stiff breeze, managed to score two more unconverted tries, while the Junior Boks were only able to add a penalty to their tally. Dawie Theron, the Junior Boks coach, afterwards his side made the best of their opportunities in the first half but they struggled to find their rhythm after halftime. “We showed good composure to score those tries in the first half after France had led 8-0. We couldn’t find our rhythm and momentum in the second half and the French did well to put us under pressure. “I’m glad we were able to finish the tournament with a win,” said Theron. French No 10 Lucas Meret scored the first points of the match when he slotted over a close range penalty after the South Africans held onto the ball. Three minutes later right wing Arthur Bonneval dived over in the right hand corner to put his side 8-0 ahead. Junior Springbok flyhalf Brendan Thomson steered his first penalty attempt miss after thirteen minutes. Seven minutes later prop Thomas du Toit crashes over under a heap of bodies to score South Africa’s first try to close the score to 8-7 after Thomson had slotted the conversion. In the 20th minute right wing Malcolm Jaer was held up when he wriggled his way over the line. South Africa scored their second try through powerful lock Jason Jenkins less than a minute later when he rounded off a slick forward move following successful lineout. The Junior Boks were now first the first time in the lead at 14-8. They were now in control of the forward exchanges and scored a third time when flanker Dan du Preez stretched over the try line as the South Africans piled on the pressure. Thomson kicked his third conversion to put the Junior Boks 21-8 in the lead. Du Preez scored a second try on the stroke of halftime and with Thomson again hitting the target with the easy conversion, the Junior Boks were able to enjoy halftime with a comfortable 28-8 lead. However, the French made a good start to the second half and they were rewarded with their second try just two minutes into the restart when substitute lock Julien Delannoy scored in the corner to reduce the SA lead to 28-13. Barely two minutes later French left wing Lucas Blanc collected a clever kick over the defence to dot down in the corner. The two quick tries reduced the SA lead to 28-18, with France showing plenty of intent to run the ball. Thomson kicked his first penalty in the 68th minute to give the Junior Boks a comfortable 31-18 but three minutes later he pulled another attempt left of the posts. Five minutes before the end captain Hanro Liebenberg was yellow carded for an illegal tackle, reducing his pack of forwards to seven with players for the remainder of the match. Scorers: Junior Springboks Try: Thomas du Toit, Jason Jenkins, Dan du Preez (2); Conversions: Brandon Thomson (4); Penalty: Thomson France Under-20: Try: Arthur Bonneval; Julien Delannoy, Lucas Blanc; Penalty: Lucas Meret
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South Africa
Hyron Andrews, Rikus Bothma, Dan du Preez, Jean-Luc du Preez, Thomas du Toit, Joseph Dweba, Njabulo Gumede, Jason Jenkins, Hanro Liebenberg (captain), Mzamo Majola, Ox Nche, Abongile Nonkontwana, RG Snyman, Jan van der Merwe, Frans van Wyk, Jacques Vermeulen, Tinus de Beer, Daniel du Plessis, Warrick Gelant, Grant Hermanus, JT Jackson, Malcolm Jaer, Marco Jansen van Vuren, Khanyo Ngcukana, Brandon Thomson, Ivan van Zyl, EW Viljoen, Leolin Zas gpfoto
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