As rugby enthusiasts across South Africa eagerly await the next generation of players, the Junior Springboks are gearing up for an exciting U20 Rugby Championship.

For fans, this tournament presents a thrilling opportunity to witness the future stars of South African rugby showcase their talent on the international stage.

Preparations in Full Swing

With just days left before the tournament kicks off, the Junior Springboks are in the final stages of their preparations.

Johan Ackermann, the team’s coaching consultant, is confident that the players are ready to rise to the occasion.

“We are excited to face some of the best junior teams in the world,” Ackermann said, emphasizing how much the team looks forward to putting their hard work to the test.

The Junior Boks will begin their campaign next Thursday, with a crucial match against Argentina at 16:10.

The action kicks off earlier in the day at 14:00, when New Zealand takes on Australia in what promises to be a thrilling opener.

Focus on Set Pieces and Strong Forward Play

Ackermann, along with assistant coach Lumumba Currie, has been focusing on strengthening the team’s forward play, particularly set pieces.

“We know we’re going up against some of the best international teams, and set pieces will be crucial,” Ackermann explained. “We’ve been working hard to make sure we’re ready for the challenges that lie ahead.”

The Eastern Cape, where the team is currently based, is known for its strong rugby culture and passionate fans, and Ackermann expressed how motivating it is to be in such an environment.

“We have a wonderful group of boys who are eager to learn, and they can’t wait to test their skills against the top teams in the Southern Hemisphere.”

Tournament Format and Fixtures

The competition follows a round-robin format, with all teams playing each other once across three match days.

Each match promises to be an exciting encounter as the teams battle it out for the top spot.

Here’s the schedule for the Junior Springboks in the U20 Rugby Championship:

Thursday, 1 May
- 14:00: New Zealand vs Australia
- 16:10: Junior Boks vs Argentina
Tuesday, 6 May
- 14:00: New Zealand vs Argentina
- 16:10: Junior Boks vs Australia
Sunday, 11 May
- 14:00: Argentina vs Australia
- 16:10: Junior Boks vs New Zealand

What’s Next for the Junior Springboks?

With the tournament just around the corner, fans are eager to see how the Junior Springboks will fare against some of the best in world rugby.

Who do you think will come out on top in this year’s U20 Rugby Championship?