Rugby

Junior Boks now in make or break game after defeat to Argentina

The Junior Springboks will miss the 2024 U20 World Championship semi-finals, unless they bounce back to demolish England on Tuesday.

The South Africans got their campaign off to a flying start when they hammered Fiji 57-7 in Cape Town on Saturday, but were outscored five tries to two by Pool C rivals Argentina in a 31-12 defeat in inclement conditions at the Danie Craven Stadium on Thursday.

Bafana Nhleko’s charges must now regroup for their final pool stage match against England – who thumped Fiji 48-11 – at Athlone Stadium on Tuesday.

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Must beat England by big margin

Defeat on Thursday night has left the Junior Boks tied on five points with Argentina, while England top Pool C on 10 points.

In the U20 Championship, the winners and best runner-up across the pools progress to the semi-finals to battle it out for a chance to play for the coveted trophy.

As it stands, the Junior Springboks will need to claim a bonus-point win over England, while preventing their opponents from claiming any losing bonus points, to top the pool and go to the playoffs.

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There is added pressure, because South Africa is currently the lowest-ranked second-placed team, with Wales in Pool A (seven points) and Australia in Pool B (six points) ahead of the tournament hosts.

This story first appeared on sarugbymag.co.za. It is republished here with permission. For thew original story click here.

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By sarugbymag
Read more on these topics: Springboks (Bokke/Boks)World Rugby