CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 29: Asad Moos of South Africa U20 scores a try during the World Rugby U20 Championship 2024 match between South Africa and Fiji at DHL Stadium on June 29, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images) 
The Junior Springboks got their World Championship campaign under way with a convincing 57-7 win over Fiji at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
The foundations of the victory were laid by the Boks’ dominant scrum as South Africa secured a four-try bonus point in the first half, leading 31-0 at the break.
“We took some time to get going in the opening minutes, did well to stick to our fundamentals, and then got the job done,” said head coach Bafana Nhleko after the match. “We will take the win. There’s obviously work-ons, but we know it will get tougher with Argentina and England in our pool, which are two physical and well-drilled teams on attack, as well as at set piece.
Junior Bok Jurenzo Julius celebrates his try against Fiji. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)
“We spoke in the week about our set piece, and how important it would be to be disciplined and stick to our structure, so I’m glad we could do that.”
The Junior Boks scored another four tries in the second half, starting the tournament in a positive fashion. Flyhalf Liam Koen, the son of former Springbok flyhalf Louis Koen, slotted five conversions and a penalty, while replacement No 10 Tyler Sefoor also kicked two conversions as Nhleko cleared the bench in the second half in an attempt to keep players fresh for the tournament.
Asad Moos dots down in the Junior Boks' victory over Fiji. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)
“It’s going to be important to manage the load of the squad throughout the tournament, and we could do that (on Saturday) thanks to the good platform provided by the pack,” he said. “We learnt some harsh lessons in the past, so we must get the balance right. We will keep the spine together as we look at managing the squad because the Argentinians are a tough, physical team.”
The Junior Springboks’ next clash is against Argentina on Thursday at the Danie Craven stadium in Stellenbosch.
Other results
In the other matches on matchday one, defending champions France ran through European neighbours Spain 49-12 in the opening clash earlier in the day at Cape Town Stadium.
Last year’s losing finalists Ireland also secured an opening-match win, beating Italy 55-15.
In the matches at Athlone Stadium, another northern hemisphere side, England – who lost 22-15 to the Junior Boks in the third-placed playoff last year – comfortably overcame Argentina 40-21.
New Zealand and Australia defeated Wales (41-34) – in a tightly fought match – and Georgia (35-11), respectively. DM
Matchday one Results:
Cape Town Stadium
France 49-12 Spain
Ireland 55-15 Italy
South Africa 57-7 Fiji
Athlone Stadium
England 40-21 Argentina
Australia 35-11 Georgia
Wales 34-41 New Zealand