February 18, 2025

Nhleko: Poor errors cost us

CAPE TOWN – Junior Springboks coach Bafana Nhleko said the match outcome could’ve been different if they had converted their opportunities.

The Baby Boks went down to Ireland 31-12 in the World Rugby Under 20 Championship semi-final at Athlone Stadium on Sunday evening.

The match started on a high with both sides having a full go at each other. Ireland had the final say with a 7-0 lead after the first stanza.

However, things went from bad to worse for the Boks after Ireland added three more tries the two Nhleko’s charges pulled back.

“We started very well but then during the second period they made two entries and invaded our half.  We were poor in set pieces and at  international level, if you don’t get it right, you get punished,” said Nhleko.

“We probably should’ve kept the ball a little bit more towards the end, but again the players are making the decisions based on what they see on the field.”

Nhleko believes this was a learning curve for the players and that is not the end of the road.

“We are all disappointed by the results of today, it didn’t go as we wanted but it is not over for us as we still have another game that we still need to get ready for from a preparations point of view,” he said.

“Most of these players are 20 years old, so there’s still plenty of opportunity for them to represent their country. We are hurting but we need to make sure we are getting it right in the next match.”

The Junior Boks will now face England on Friday 14 July at 16:30 in the third place playoff. England was beaten by 52-31 by France in the other semifinal.

France will will be hoping for their third consecutive under 20 title when they face Ireland in the final.

 

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