The Junior Springboks kicked off their two-match series against Georgia U20 with a 38-29 victory on Sunday afternoon at Avchala Stadium in Tbilisi. Despite taking an early lead, the South Africans had to fight back in the closing stages to secure the win in freezing conditions that tested their resilience.
STRONG START, MID-GAME STRUGGLES
The Junior Boks exploded out of the gates, scoring three tries inside the first 16 minutes, racing to a 19-0 lead. Gilermo Mentoe (fullback), Chijindu Okonta (wing), and Dominic Malgas (centre) all crossed the whitewash, with flyhalf Matthew Coetzee adding two conversions.
But as quickly as they dominated, momentary lapses in concentration allowed the Georgians back into the game. The home side, powered by their relentless forwards, responded with three tries of their own, narrowing the score to 19-17.
Just before halftime, Divan Fuller (loose forward) struck back, restoring a 26-17 lead for South Africa heading into the break.
SECOND-HALF CHAOS AS GEORGIA FIGHTS BACK
The second half saw the Junior Boks lose control, with a yellow card to Jaundré Schoeman in the 56th minute shifting momentum to the hosts. Georgia took full advantage, scoring twice and briefly taking the lead at 29-26 with 15 minutes left on the clock.
However, Kevin Foote’s bench proved decisive. Cheswill Jooste and Xola Nyali struck late to put the game to bed, with Coetzee and JT Kapank adding conversions to seal a 38-29 victory.
FOOTE: ‘WE LEARNED GOOD LESSONS’
Junior Boks head coach Kevin Foote acknowledged the team’s struggles but praised their ability to close out the match:
“It was a fantastic hit-out for us, especially in conditions we’re not used to. We started well, but the penalty count went against us, and that’s something we need to improve on.”
Foote highlighted the set piece, maul defense, and cleanouts as key areas that require further attention before Friday’s rematch.
“Our lineouts and scrums are looking good, but we need to be sharper in our maul defense and more clinical at the breakdown. I’m pleased with the boys’ effort in tough conditions against a Georgian side that thrives in physical battles.”
LOOKING AHEAD: THE DECIDER ON FRIDAY
With one win secured, the Junior Boks will be aiming for a 2-0 series sweep when they face Georgia U20 again on Friday in their final match before returning home.
📍 Final Score: Junior Springboks 38-29 Georgia U20
📍 Next Match: Friday, 28 February, Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi
MATCH SCORERS:
🟥 Georgia U20 (29):
Tries: Shota Kheladze, Saba Laghedze (2), Beka Neparidze, Nugzar Kevkhisvili
Conversions: David Tsiklauri, Giorgi Sesiashvili
🟩 Junior Springboks (38):
Tries: Gilermo Mentoe, Chijindu Okonta, Dominic Malgas, Divan Fuller, Cheswill Jooste, Xola Nyali
Conversions: Matthew Coetzee (3), JT Kapank
📢 Can the Junior Boks make it 2-0? Drop your thoughts below! 👇
