The issues with SA Rugby's youth structures were exposed at the World U20 Championship despite the valiant Junior Springboks fighting for a bronze medal, writes DYLAN JACK.
July 18, 2023
Bafana Nhleko’s side started with an indifferent performance to beat Georgia in Stellenbosch, before suffering a stunning loss to Italy in Paarl and then bouncing back against Argentina at Athlone Stadium to secure a semi-final place. Meanwhile, France unsurprisingly bulldozed through the competition to lift the trophy for a third time in a row, having claimed their first title when they hosted the championship in 2018. The final, against Ireland, was definitely between the two nations who have the best-organised, albeit contrasting, youth systems at present.
The Junior Springboks could also really benefit from an U20 southern hemisphere competition, held before the World Championship, allowing them to be exposed to the intensity of international rugby.
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