Captain Vusi Moyo proud of Junior Bok charges after Fiji thrashing

Captain Vusi Moyo proud of Junior Bok charges after Fiji thrashing

The SA U20s led 56-11 at halftime and went on to beat Fiji by 82–25, producing a dominant attacking display while running in 12 tries at Wynberg Boys' High School.

However, Moyo and Junior Bok head coach Kevin Foote admitted there are still areas to refine as they build towards the Junior World Championship, which kicks off in a month's time in Georgia.

"We spoke a lot this week about having a strong Test-match mentality and improving our maturity in how we manage the game, and I think that definitely showed today," said Moyo.

"The guys are excited for what's ahead and to show how good this team can be."

Moyo, who led from the front and played a full 80 minutes for the second week running, said the focus remains on building cohesion, fitness and consistency across the squad.

The Junior Bok playmaker slotted 11 of his 12 conversions and again contributed 22 points to the team's total, just like he did last week against Chile.

Reflecting on his leadership journey, Moyo highlighted the influence of senior players and the strong culture within the group: "I've learned a lot from the leaders around me, such as Riley (Norton) and Esethu (Mnebelele) and I'm just trying to implement what I've gained."

Moyo, who is in his second season with the Junior Boks, is also excited about the current crop of players in the SA U20 squad: "We've got a special group - the bond in this team is something I really value and I am enjoying myself."

Despite the commanding scoreline, Moyo acknowledged a slight lapse of concentration late in the match, which allowed Fiji to capitalise with a few tries.

"That's something we'll definitely look at," he said. "It's an area we can go back and work on. But Fiji deserve credit as they tested us, and that's important for our growth."

Foote echoed Moyo's sentiments, praising the squad's depth, character, and steady improvement: "We've got a lot of depth in this group - players are really putting their hands up across the board."

The Junior Bok coach also noted that while the team controlled large portions of the exciting contest, there is still work to be done in maintaining focus for the full 80 minutes.

With Georgia next on the schedule on Saturday at Paul Roos Gymnasium's Markotter Stadium in Stellenbosch, Foote confirmed that rotation will continue as they balance performance with squad development: "We will make changes - it's been important for us to expose players and build depth. Georgia will be physical and passionate, and it's another great step for us as we build towards the Junior World Champs."

Related News

'Very valuable' series gives Junior Boks confidence ahead of title defence in Georgia

'Very valuable' series gives Junior Boks confidence ahead of title defence in Georgia

  • 1 day ago

SA U20 head coach Kevin Foote said the Junior Springboks gained valuable insights from their unbeaten U20 International Series as they step up preparations for the Junior World Championship.

Junior Springboks crush Georgia to complete unbeaten U20 Series campaign

Junior Springboks crush Georgia to complete unbeaten U20 Series campaign

  • 3 days ago

The Junior Springboks capped an unbeaten U20 International Series campaign with a commanding 57-14 victory over Georgia in Stellenbosch on Saturday.

Riley Norton back as Junior Boks back squad depth for physical Georgia challenge

Riley Norton back as Junior Boks back squad depth for physical Georgia challenge

  • 5 days ago

Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote has again rotated his squad for the final U20 International Series match against Georgia in Stellenbosch on Saturday.

Junior Springboks run riot against Fiji to snatch second U20 International Series win

Junior Springboks run riot against Fiji to snatch second U20 International Series win

  • 7 days ago

The Junior Springboks racked up another comprehensive win in the U20 International Series on Tuesday as they crushed Fiji 82-25 at Wynberg Boys' High School in Cape Town.