The Junior Springboks have called up injury cover in the front row in their buildup to the U20 Rugby Championship clash against Australia on Sunday.
Vodacom Bulls prop Luan van der Berg as joined the Junior Bok camp after Kai Pratt suffered a foot injury during Monday’s win over Argentina in Gqeberha.
Van der Berg has been a regular member of the Junior Bok setup this year and slotted straight into training in Summerstrand this week.
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This as Junior Bok forwards coach Lumumba Currie discussed the mindset of the players gearing up to face a well-drilled Australia team looking to bounce back from a 34-29 defeat to New Zealand.
“We had a thorough review, looking at the things we did well and pinpointing the aspects where we need to improve,” Currie said.
The South Africans built a commanding 36-0 half-time lead against the Argentinians and eventually led 48-7, before Los Pumitas fought back with late tries to leave the final score 48-21.
Currie cautioned that Australia are a well-coached and competent side ahead of the teams’ clash at the Nelson Mandela Stadium.
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“They have a good recent record against us, having beaten us in the previous two Rugby Championship tournaments before we managed to get the better of them last year at the Junior World Championships in Italy, so we are well aware of their capabilities,” he said.
“They showed in their opening match against New Zealand what a massive threat they are, especially with ball in hand and their efficiency at the breakdown. It will make for a very interesting battle on Sunday.”
Head coach Kevin Foote is set to name the Junior Bok lineup to face Australia on Friday.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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