The two areas the Junior Springboks were 'challenged' in 104-7 rout

The Junior Springboks scored 16 tries, including a penalty try, to open their Junior World Championship campaign with a 104-7 demolition of Uruguay in Tbilisi on Saturday, leading 50-0 at the break and conceding only after the final hooter.

Wing Jordan Steenkamp and flanker Risima Khosa both bagged hat-tricks.

Yet despite what appeared to the naked eye to be a total mismatch, SA U20 head coach Kevin Foote was honest about where Uruguay made life difficult.

“Uruguay were very competitive at the breakdown and also challenged us in the lineouts,” he said. “The conditions weren’t easy with the wind, but I thought we adapted well, kept the ball in hand and played with good energy and purpose.”

On the overall performance, Foote was pleased to finally get the tournament underway.

“It’s awesome to finally get going after a long period of preparation. The players showed great intent from the start, and it’s pleasing to begin the tournament with a strong performance.

“There were plenty of strong performances and a number of players really put their hands up for selection. That’s exactly what you want in a competition like this, where the whole squad will be needed.”

Uruguay scored in the final act of the game, and Foote was generous in acknowledging it.

“Full credit to Uruguay for finishing the game the way they did. Scoring at the end shows their determination and spirit, and that’s something we expected from them.”

Rotation will be a feature of South Africa’s pool campaign, with Foote confirming others will get their chance against Georgia.

“That’s the nature of a World Championship. We have a very good squad, and we’ll give other players opportunities in the next game. The focus is on continuing to build and improve.”

Georgia lost narrowly to Wales (25-24) in their opener and host the Junior Boks next and Foote is under no illusions about what awaits.

“You can feel the energy and passion in Georgia already. They’ll be hurting after that loss and will come back strongly. We know they’ll bring a big physical challenge, so we’ll need to be ready for that.”