Junior Boks have tons of fun as they open their JWC defence with a massive win over Uruguay

The Junior Springboks started the defence of their Junior World Championship crown in style, carding 16 tries in an emphatic 104-7 victory (half-time 50-0) over Uruguay in Tbilisi in Georgia on Saturday evening, with Risima Khosa and Jordan Steenkamp crossing for three tries apiece in the process.

The victory at Avchala Stadium was the SA U20s' seventh consecutive win at the tournament, which saw them equal their best ever winning run in the tournament – a seven game streak across the 2012 and 2013 editions.

While they were in control for most of the match, often mixing the ridiculous with the sublime with ball in hand, the Junior Boks were still forced to defend at times and they did so with gusto, especially playing against a fresh breeze in the first half.

After a scrappy start, the South Africans found their rhythm and Markus Muller duly opened their account with a try from a quick-tap penalty and good control over a number of phases in the Uruguay 22. Alzeadon Felix added the extras and the Junior Boks were 7-0 after as many minutes.

Jordan Steenkamp scored the second try, showing his pace down the left as he left a number of opponents in his wake, and Felix's conversion gave the SA U20s a solid 14-0 lead after 11 minutes.

It was 21-0 after 17 minutes when Uruguay illegally brought down a strong SA driving maul and the referee had no option but to award a penalty try and five minutes later, Khosa was driven over from another attacking lineout to make it 26-0.

When Ethan Adams ran a beautiful line two minutes later, again from an attacking lineout, the South Africans were leading by 31-0, but Uruguay then fought their way back into the match, forcing the Junior Boks into defensive mode for six minutes inside their own 22.

They defended with aplomb and when they finally regained possession, Steenkamp was on hand to race away for his second try.

Not to be outdone by his wing partner, Khuthadzo Rasivhaga chipped in with two late first half tries on the right hand side of the field, both converted by Luan Giliomee, to push the SA U20s' half-time lead to 50-0.

The Junior Boks, boosted by their bench, added three more tries in the first 15 minute of the second half as they started to run riot against the tiring Uruguayan defence, with replacements Cheswill Jooste, Jayden Brits and Siphosethu Mnebelele all adding their names to the score sheet.

Khosa then completed his hat-trick with two tries in four minutes, with Akahlulwa Boqwana adding three conversions in the process to make it 83-0 after 62 minutes.

Not to be outdone by his teammate, Steenkamp followed eight minutes later with his third try to push the Junior Boks' tally to 90 points. Hard-working Gert Kemp then scored a converted try from a great run to make it 97-0 with five minutes to go.

When Brits raced away for his second try, it brought up the century for the Junior Boks, with Boqwana adding his sixth straight conversion before Uruguay scored a consolation try at the death.

After an extended build-up to the tournament, SA U20 head coach Kevin Foote expressed satisfaction with both the victory and the way his side approached the encounter.

“It’s awesome to finally get going after a long period of preparation,” said Foote.

“The players showed great intent from the start and it’s pleasing to begin the tournament with a strong performance.”

Although the scoreline reflected the Junior Boks’ dominance, Foote was quick to acknowledge the challenge posed by a spirited Uruguay side, particularly in the contact areas and set pieces.

“Uruguay were very competitive at the breakdown and also challenged us in the lineouts,” he said. “The conditions weren’t easy with the wind but I thought we adapted well, kept the ball in hand and played with good energy and purpose.”

The SA U20s delivered a clinical attacking display, running in tries at regular intervals, while also showing glimpses of the cohesion and intensity that Foote and his management team have worked to build during the preparation phase.

Foote highlighted the importance of a collective team effort, while also noting the positive impact of individual performances across the squad: “There were plenty of strong performances and a number of players really put their hands up for selection. That’s exactly what you want in a competition like this, where the whole squad will be needed.”

Despite the heavy defeat, Uruguay continued to compete until the final whistle and were rewarded with a late try, something Foote felt spoke volumes about their character.

“Full credit to Uruguay for finishing the game the way they did,” he added. “Scoring at the end shows their determination and spirit, and that’s something we expected from them.”

With a demanding pool stage ahead, Foote indicated that squad rotation will be key as South Africa look to build consistency and manage player workload over the course of the tournament.

“That’s the nature of a World Championship,” he said. “We have a very good squad and we’ll give other players opportunities in the next game. The focus is on continuing to build and improve.”

The Junior Boks now turn their attention to their next assignment against hosts Georgia (on Thursday), who narrowly lost their opening fixture against Wales (25-24) and are expected to come out firing in front of a passionate home crowd.

“You can feel the energy and passion in Georgia already,” said Foote. “They’ll be hurting after that loss and will come back strongly. We know they’ll bring a big physical challenge, so we’ll need to be ready for that.”

Score

Junior Springboks 104 (50) - Tries: Markus Muller, Jordan Steenkamp (3), Penalty try, Risima Khosa (3), Ethan Adams, Khuthadzo Rasivhaga (2), Cheswill Jooste, Jayden Brits (2), Siphosethu Mnebelele, Gert Kemp. Conversions: Alzeadon Felix (2), Luan Giliomee (3), Akahlulwa Boqwana (6).

Uruguay U20 7 (0) - Try: Sebastian Rivero. Conversion: Juan Francisco Pereira.

Junior Boks’ Pool A fixtures and results

27 June v Uruguay (SA win 104-7)

2 July v Georgia

7 July v Wales

Play-offs

12-13 July: Semi-finals

17-18 July: Ranking play-offs and final

Junior Boks’ 2026 World Junior Championship squad

Props: Oliver Reid (DHL Stormers), Rambo Kubheka (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jordan Jooste (DHL Stormers), Danie Kruger (DHL Stormers), Luan van der Berg (Vodacom Bulls).

Hookers: Siphosethu Mnebelele (captain, Hollywoodbets Sharks), Liam van Wyk (Hollywoodbets Sharks).

Locks: Heinrich Theron (Vodacom Bulls), Jaythen Orange (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), JD Hattingh (Fidelity Securedrive Lions).

Loose forwards: Kebotile Maake (Vodacom Bulls), Risima Khosa (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Luke Cannon (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Wasi Vyambwera (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Vuyo Gwiji (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Gert Kemp (DHL Stormers).

Utility forward: Thomas Beling (Vodacom Bulls).

Scrumhalves: Hendré Schoeman (Vodacom Bulls), Jayden Brits (DHL Stormers).

Flyhalf: Yaqeen Ahmed (DHL Stormers).

Centres: Ethan Adams (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Samuel Badenhorst (DHL Stormers), Markus Muller (DHL Stormers).

Outside and utility backs: Luan Giliomee (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Khuthadzo Rasivhaga (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Cheswill Jooste (Vodacom Bulls), Jack Benade (DHL Stormers), Jordan Steenkamp (DHL Stormers), Akahluwa Boqwana (Vodacom Bulls), Alzeadon Felix (Fidelity Securedrive Lions).

Team management

Kevin Foote – Head coach

Lumumba Currie – Assistant coach

Melusi Mthethwa – Assistant coach

Barend Pieterse – Coaching consultant

Zingi Hela – Team manager

Dr Clement Plaatjies – Team doctor

Warren Adams – Head of athletic performance

Farhaanah Nagia – Physiotherapist

Robin Williams – Physiotherapist

Rayaan Adriaanse – Media and PR manager

Zwonaka Mbedzi – Technical analyst

Franklin van Wyk – Logistics manager