The Junior Springboks were given a stark reminder that despite hours on the training pitch, nothing replicates game intensity like a competitive match, which is what they enjoyed against a Varsity Cup Dream Team on Tuesday.

The result was less important than the performance for coach Dawie Theron, but he was happy that his team managed to win 31-24 after being under severe first-half pressure.

Innocent Radebe, who is part of the SA under-20 squad, started for the Varsity Cup side and showed glimpses of X-factor that neither of his two rivals displayed.

Radebe is an excellent runner but also had lapses in concentration. But of the three, he looked the most penetrative.

With the World Championships set for the summer pitches of northern Italy, he could be the right man to bring the best out of impressive centre Dan du Plessis and fullback Warwick Gallant.

The under-20s, who were on average five years younger than their Varsity Cup opponents, showed good character and composure to turn the tables in the second half after trailing 12-10 at the break.

"This match was exactly what we needed for our World Rugby Under-20 Championship preparations," Theron said.

"The Varsity Cup side had several players who starred in previous years for the Junior Springboks, and they were a much more matured team.

"We started poorly and the Varsity boys dominated us in the first half. However we grew in confidence, especially in the second half, and the players also managed to play with more composure.

"The match proved that we are in need of much more work before we can be satisfied with our preparations for Italy."