Thabang Mphafi can’t wait for the loose-forward battle when the Junior Springboks and Argentina clash in Stellenbosch on Thursday evening in the U20 Championship.
Mphafi was one of the stars of the team during the recent U20 Rugby Championship in Australia, where the Junior Boks finished second behind New Zealand.
He was also in the starting lineup last week when the South Africans got their World Championship campaign off to a positive start when they outplayed Fiji at Cape Town Stadium.
The teams clashed two months ago, when Argentina created good momentum as a result of their aggression and skills at the breakdown area, and it was a only a huge fightback in the second half that allowed the Junior Boks to edge the Pumitas.
So, with the breakdown a key area, the Junior Boks will be banking on their loose trio of No 8 Tiaan Jacobs, the versatile Batho Hlekani as well as the mobile Mphafi, to stamp their authority on the game.
“The loose forwards have a specific jo to do and that is to make sure we protect our ball, secure the possession and to nullify the big threat of Argentina in that area,” Mphafi said.
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“They are a dangerous side as they showed against us in Australia and also last week, and last Saturday against England. We know all about their physicality and aggression upfront and then their skill level amongst the backs, who are really good finishers.
“Therefore, the loose trio will have to work consistently hard, to assist the team to deal with the threat of Argentina.”
Meanwhile, in one of several rotational changes in the starting backline, Bruce Sherwood will be playing in the No 15 jersey on Thursday.
Sherwood explained that although the SA U20s have shown a lot of creativity amongst the outside backs against Fiji, they will stay true to their SA playing style and identity.
“We have licence to run with the ball because coach gives us that freedom and licence to do that,” said Sherwood.
“However, we do know our DNA and our system, so we will go direct and be physical, and stay within our processes. But it is also good that we have that ability to be creative when the opportunities present itself.”
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post Junior Boks primed for Pumitas duel appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
