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Junior Springbok captain, Handré Pollard, praised the calmness and discipline of his team after they scored an impressive 33-14 win over New Zealand Under-20 at the Junior World Championship in Auckland on Friday.

New Zealand were 17-14 in front at the break, but the South Africans delivered a powerful display in the second half to eventually run out comfortable winners.

The victory ensured them of first spot in Pool C so far after two wins and they now need to secure a point against Samoa in their last group fixture to make sure of a place in the semi-finals.

Junior Boks captain Handré Pollard controlled the game superbly for his side with another sublime performance, but he was able to do so thanks to a dominant display by his impressive set of forwards. Flanker Jean-Luc du Preez was replaced in the first half after he sustained a blow to the head in a collision.

Pollard said his team kept calm after NZ made all the play in the first 20 minutes: “They kept us under pressure with their fast game. We kept calm and show patience until we eventually broke through late in the first half. I think it was a battle that was won by the heart,” said 2012 JWC winner Pollard.

Prop Dayan van der Westhuizen, hooker Corniel Els and towering lock JD Schickerling were outstanding and prominent in almost every forward surge. The South Africans were top in the lineouts and won the scrum battle.

NZ wing Tevita Li punished the Junior Boks for their defensive lapses out wide by scoring three tries – two from long range.

Pollard gave the Junior Boks an early 6-0 lead with two penalties, but a turnover deep inside the SA territory allowed Li to race through for the first of his three tries.

His second was a very good solo try when he beat a cluster of SA defenders to score under the post. Pollard slotted another penalty before Jesse Kriel (centre) burst over in the corner for the first SA try after slick handling by the backs. Pollard missed the conversion and when Simon Hickey, the Kiwi-skipper succeeded with a penalty the hosts were allowed to go into the break 17-14 in front.

However, South Africa then made their physical advantage count in the second half, winning two tightheads and adding three more tries for an important bonus point. Kriel, Lloyd Greeff and Warrick Gelant each scored a try in the second half. 

Li scored his third try just before the end, but by that time SA had already secured a famous victory.
Coach Dawie Theron said afterwards: “The guys really played their hearts out and put their bodies on the line for their team mates. They came off the pitch with nothing left in the tank. It was a great contest and I am very proud of the boys.”

He added the SA team will continue to work hard in training for their next match against Samoa.

“We will enjoy the moment but the guys know that we’ve not won anything yet. It is a tough competition because of the format and there is still plenty of rugby to be played. I know what it feels like to lose in the pool stage at home, and New Zealand will be disappointed and hurting but they will be itching to bounce back in their next match,” cautioned Theron.

Theron was also full of praise the leadership of his captain, Pollard. 

“This is his third tournament and he has grown tremendously since playing for the team for the first time two years ago. He brings a good calmness to the team and the whole side is very composed.”

Scorers

New Zealand – Tries: Tevita Li (3). Conversions: Simon Hickey (3). Penalty: Hickey.
South Africa –Tries: Jesse Kriel, Handré Pollard, Lloyd Greeff, Warrick Gelant. Conversions: Pollard (2). Penalties: Pollard (3).

The Junior Springboks’ final Pool C match is on 10 June against Samoa.

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Die verdedigende kampioen van die Beeldtrofee vir makroskole, EG Jansen van Boksburg, het reeds vanjaar sy spiere in die Valke-streek gebult.

Ander skole wat in die afdeling ook na vore getree het, is Monument van Krugersdorp, die
HTS Middelburg en Garsfontein van Pretoria.

Hoewel Monnas nog Saterdag teen Marais Viljoen in die Leeu-streek te staan moet kom, behoort die span sake teen Florries in die Leeu-eindstryd uit te spook. Florida het Marais Viljoen Saterdag met 31-12 getroef.

Die hoërskole Nelspruit en Middelburg speel môre in die Pumas-streek se halfeindstryd teen mekaar. Middelburg het Saterdag ’n naelbyt-sege van 11-10 oor die Rhinos van Nelspruit behaal. Die HTS Middelburg se Rooi Bulle het reeds tot die Pumas se eindstryd deurgedring.

Die Garsies het tot dusver alle teenstand weggevee in die Blou Bul-streek. Die kragmeting op 21 Junie tussen Menlopark en Eldoraigne sal waarskynlik bepaal wie die Bulle se vierde span sal wees. Waterkloof en Centurion behoort die tweede en derde plekke in te neem. Die derde en vierde spanne sal teen onderskeidelik Montana en Wonderboom vir ’n plek in die Beeldtrofee se uitspeelrondes uitspeel.

In die afdeling vir groot skole in die Leeu-streek is die Hoërskool Linden nog onoorwonne met 25 ligapunte. Die span se groot stryd teen die Hoërskool Randburg vind volgende Saterdag plaas. Bas­tion is tans in die tweede plek met 18 ligapunte en net een nederlaag – teen Linden.

In dié afdeling in Mpuma-langa is Secunda tot dusver die voorste span in die Laeveld-streek met 218 punte. Generaal Hertzog beklee die tweede plek.

In die Hoëveld-streek is die Hoërskool Standerton (15) en
die HTS Ligbron (13) boaan die puntelys.

In die Luiperd-streek is Lichtenburg die enigste span wat al drie sy wedstryde in die eerste ronde gewen het. Die Hoërskool Klerksdorp, Potchefstroom Gimnasium en Volkskool is egter
almal nog in die kompetisie. Klerksdorp speel Saterdag teen Gimmies.

In die afdeling vir medium skole pak Bekker vir Goudrif in ’n stryd wat sal bepaal wie die tweede plek op die puntelys by die Leeus sal inneem. Trinityhouse het sy boonste plek op die puntelys feitlik reeds verseker.

Powerfully built twins Jesse and Dan Kriel will play alongside each other and patrol the midfield for the Junior Springboks against New Zealand Under-20 on Friday at the IRB Junior World Championship match at the QBE Stadium in Auckland. Kick-off time is 09h35 SA time.

The brothers were confirmed as centre combination when Junior Boks coach, Dawie Theron, named his starting line-up team to face the young New Zealanders in this vital Pool C match at Junior World Championship.

Injury to four players has forced Theron to reshuffle his match 23 after the Junior Boks scored a convincing 61-3 win over Scotland on Monday.

Midfielders Rohan Janse van Rensburg (ankle), Andre Esterhuizen (head blow) and flank Jacques Vermeulen (ankle) were all ruled out of selection because of injuries sustained against the Scots. On Thursday, Golden Lions hooker Malcolm Marx was also ruled out of action for several weeks after he had suffered a knee injury during Wednesday’s evening training session.

Dan Kriel will now wear the number 12 jersey as stand-in for the powerfully built Esterhuizen. In the only other change amongst the backs, Vodacom Blue Bulls scrumhalf JP Smith comes in off the bench for Zee Mkhabela who is now one of the replacements. Replacement wing Duhan van der Merwe, who joined the squad yesterday from South Africa, is amongst the reserves.

Furthermore, Theron opted for a complete revised front which now consists of Thomas du Toit, Corniel Els, Dayan van der Westhuizen (props) and Corniel Els (hooker). Towering lock JD Schickerling got the nod over Abongile Nonkontwana while Jean-Luc du Preez comes in at number 6 flank for Vermeulen.

Flyhalf Handré Pollard, who had a sublime match against Scotland, will again lead the Junior Springboks in what is undoubtedly the pick of match day two.

According to Theron, his team knows the huge significance of this vital pool match against New Zealand.

“It is a real pity to have lost four players because of injuries. We had two very good training sessions on Wednesday and the boys know we are in for an extremely tough encounter against New Zealand,” said Theron.

Commenting on the possible impact of the changes, Theron said: “The players have been training together for a while now and know our system. This is a very talented group of players who have worked extremely hard to be here,” according to Theron.

The South Africans will complete their Pool C fixtures on 10 June against Samoa.

The Junior Springbok team to play New Zealand Under-20 on Friday:

15. Warrick Gelant (Vodacom Blue Bulls)
14. Lloyd Greeff (Leopards)
13. Jesse Kriel (Vodacom Blue Bulls)
12. Dan Kriel (Vodacom Blue Bulls)
11. Sergeal Petersen (EP Kings
10. Handré Pollard (captain, Vodacom Bulls)
9. JP Smith (Vodacom Blue Bulls)
8. Aidon Davis (EP Kings)
7. Cyle Brink (Golden Lions)
6. Jean-Luc du Preez (Cell C Sharks)
5. Nico Janse van Rensburg (Vodacom Blue Bulls)
4. JD Schickerling (DHL Western Province)
3. Dayan van der Westhuizen (Vodacom Blue Bulls)
2. Corniel Els (Vodacom Blue Bulls)
1. Thomas du Toit (Cell C Sharks)

Replacements:
16. Joseph Dweba (Toyota Free State Cheetahs)
17. Pierre Schoeman (Vodacom Blue Bulls)
18. Wilco Louw (Vodacom Blue Bulls)
19. Abongile Nonkontwana (Vodacom Blue Bulls)
20 Victor Sekekete (Golden Lions)
21 Zee Mkhabela (Toyota Free State Cheetahs)
22 Jean-Luc du Plessis (Cell C Sharks)
23 Duhan van der Merwe (SA Sevens contracted)

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The Junior Springboks suffered a huge injury setback on Tuesday with the news that three players were ruled out of their vital IRB Junior World Championship Pool C clash this coming Friday against New Zealand.

Midfielder Rohan Janse van Rensburg, who came on as second half replacement against Scotland in the JWC opener at the QBE Stadium on Monday, will return home after he sustained an ankle injury in the match. He will be replaced by Duhan van der Merwe, a SA Sevens contracted player and a member of the Junior Boks’ training group.

Powerful inside centre Andre Esterhuizen was ruled out of action for the next couple of days after receiving a blow to the head in the second half against the Scots. He will not be considered for the New Zealand clash. The team’s medical staff is currently managing him according to the Graduated Return to Play Protocol (GRTP).

The third casualty is flanker Jacques Vermeulen. The Cape-based loose forward is also suffering from an ankle injury and has been ruled out of Friday’s encounter.

On Tuesday, Junior Springboks coach, Dawie Theron described the three injuries as a huge blow for his team.
“We all know how vital the match against New Zealand is and to have three players ruled out of action is a massive blow for us,” said Theron.

He was full of praise for the contribution of all three players in the comprehensive 61-5 win over Scotland on Monday.
“Andre made ten tackles and he was powerful and aggressive in midfield. He gave us a good presence on defence and was very good in taking the ball over the advantage line.

“Jacques was very involved upfront, made 16 tackles and was also good in general play. And Rohan really showed his experience of playing at this level when he came on as a second half substitute,” said Theron.

Van Rensburg was one of three Junior Springboks on the field with previous JWC experience under their belt.

The squad had a relative quiet day following their opening match in North Harbour, Auckland. The match 23 completed their recovery activities at the team hotel while the rest of the squad attended a legacy programme activity at the nearby Beach Haven Primary school.

The South Africans return to the training field on Wednesday and will have two sessions, one of which will be an evening exercise.