SA Schools coach Mzwakhe Nkosi says their performances in the U18 International Series is promising for the future of the Junior Springboks.
The SA Schools team finished the series unbeaten at Hugenote High School when they defeated England 33-26 in a tight contest. This victory followed strong performances over Wales (in Stellenbosch last Friday) and Argentina (in Paarl on Tuesday).
Meanwhile, the SA Schools A side, coached by Phiwe Nomlomo, finished with a record of one draw against Wales and two losses against Argentina and France.
Both coaches Nkosi and Nomlomo said the players showed they can adapt and be successful in an international team environment and that will benefit all going forward.
‘This is a very nice group of boys and they grew massively over the last two weeks,’ Nkosi said. ‘The leadership group managed to get the guys to develop into a really tight unit, and Jacques Goosen, George Cronje and Tyler Bocks deserve credit for achieving that with this squad
‘This series was great for the squad. They managed to get stuck in and bond as a team in a short space of time. I am really proud of the team and the character they showed in the time they were together.
‘Our performances were improving all the time and that bodes well for the future of these players, and the Junior Springboks going forward.’
The SA Schools A team’s performances were impacted by injuries, with a number of players being replaced during the two weeks, according to Nomlomo.
‘The improvement shown by the squad was commendable,’ Nomlomo said. ‘The team grew closer, their skill-set improved and I think the guys understood better of what they needed to do and what was expected.
‘There were a number of grade 11’s in this team and they would have learned a lot in the last two weeks. I think we will see them in the green and gold again next year and they will be better for it.’
England’s Thomas Matthews finished the series as top scorer with 27 points to his name, ahead of SA Schools flyhalf Kian Meadon (21).
SA Schools A hooker Teague Loelly finished as the top try-scorer with four tries.
Photo: Bertram Malgas/Gallo Images
