Junior Springboks coach Kevin Foote says the team will continue to play with intensity and discipline when they face Fiji in their second match of the U20 International Series in Cape Town.This follows South Africa’s dominant 97-0 victory over Chile at Rondebosch Boys’ High School.Foote praised the maturity shown by the squad, saying the players stuck to the game plan despite the one-sided nature of the match.

He explained that many members of the group had only recently assembled, making the series an important opportunity for players to prove themselves ahead of selection for the Junior World Championship.

Foote also acknowledged the role played by schools, provincial unions and SA Rugby’s development structures in preparing players for international rugby.He said the regular camps and exposure helped players understand the systems and build combinations within the squad.

Several returning players impressed after recovering from injury, including Pieter van der Merwe, whom Foote highlighted for both his leadership and contribution on the field.

The coach confirmed that the management team plans to rotate the squad during the remaining fixtures against Fiji and Georgia in order to assess depth in key positions and give more players valuable game time.

A number of regular stars from the recent U20 Rugby Championship triumph in Gqeberha were rested for the Cape Town series, while others remain unavailable because of injuries or national camp commitments.

Foote stressed that the balance between immediate performance and long-term player development remains important for the Junior Boks as they continue preparing for future international tournaments.