THE South African Under-20 rugby team will take on defending champions New Zealand today in the semifinal of the IRB Junior World Championships at Rosario, New Zealand.
THE South African Under-20 rugby team will take on defending champions New Zealand today in the semifinal of the IRB Junior World Championships at Rosario, New Zealand.
The South African side qualified for the semifinals despite losing 42-35 to Australia on Sunday.
They finished fourth on the log, while New Zealand ended on top of the table of 12 teams.
Speaking to Sowetan from Argentina this week national team manager Yusuf Jackson they were looking forward to their match against New Zealand.
But Jackson admitted that the boys were bitterly disappointed with their loss to Australia on Sunday.
"We have put our defeat to Australia behind us and everybody is ready and raring to go for the match against New Zealand," said Jackson.
Coach Eric Sauls believes his charges have learnt a lot from their match against the Australians and he hopes to apply some of the new techniques against New Zealand today.
"Obviously I was also disappointed with the defeat on Sunday but we should forget that setback and look forward and this is exactly what we are doing," Sauls said.
The coach added that he was impressed with their overall performance against an Australia side that boasted a number of Vodacom Super 14 and IRB Sevens stars.
Captain CJ Stander said they were looking forward to a competitive game against the reigning champions today.
"They will be tough but we will match them in all departments."
The South Africans arrived in New Zealand on Monday.
Baby Boks have to forget Australia hangover fast
THE South African Under-20 rugby team will take on defending champions New Zealand today in the semifinal of the IRB Junior World Championships at Rosario, New Zealand.
THE South African Under-20 rugby team will take on defending champions New Zealand today in the semifinal of the IRB Junior World Championships at Rosario, New Zealand.
The South African side qualified for the semifinals despite losing 42-35 to Australia on Sunday.
They finished fourth on the log, while New Zealand ended on top of the table of 12 teams.
Speaking to Sowetan from Argentina this week national team manager Yusuf Jackson they were looking forward to their match against New Zealand.
But Jackson admitted that the boys were bitterly disappointed with their loss to Australia on Sunday.
"We have put our defeat to Australia behind us and everybody is ready and raring to go for the match against New Zealand," said Jackson.
Coach Eric Sauls believes his charges have learnt a lot from their match against the Australians and he hopes to apply some of the new techniques against New Zealand today.
"Obviously I was also disappointed with the defeat on Sunday but we should forget that setback and look forward and this is exactly what we are doing," Sauls said.
The coach added that he was impressed with their overall performance against an Australia side that boasted a number of Vodacom Super 14 and IRB Sevens stars.
Captain CJ Stander said they were looking forward to a competitive game against the reigning champions today.
"They will be tough but we will match them in all departments."
The South Africans arrived in New Zealand on Monday.