U20s ready for England

JUNIOR Springbok captain Ernst van Rhyn is confident his team are in a “good mental space” ahead of their semi-final clash against England tomorrow.

The Baby Boks will face the undefeated England in the first semi-final match of the day (kickoff 4 pm), and New Zealand will take on France in the second semi-final of the World Rugby Under-20 Championships at 6.30 pm.

The SA U20s booked their play-off spot with a 72-14 victory over Argentina last week after opening the competition with a 23-23 draw against France and a 38-14 win over hosts Georgia one week later.

Van Rhyn vowed that the team would give their best in the clash against the English, and he also said that the team were expecting a tough test against the defending champions.

“As a team we are in a good mental space and we’ve built up nicely in the first three games,” said Van Rhyn.

“England are a great team again this year, so we will have to work hard and ensure that we are at the top of our game to win the semi-final. All we can do now is to prepare as well as possible, and come (tomorrow) to give our best.”

When asked what he hoped to see from this team in the semi-final, the former SA Schools captain and 2016 SA U20 vice-captain said: “We showed a lot of character in the pool stages of the tournament, and I would like to see the guys build on that and to remember what we stand for as a team.

“I cannot ask more than for each player and the management team to give their best.”

Junior Springbok coach Chean Roux will announce his team to face England today.