The defending champions scored five tries in the Pool A clash. Bowever, the scoreline didn’t reflect just how tough the contest was as the passionate home side tested South Africa physically from the opening whistle.

Georgia started strongly and immediately put the Junior Boks under pressure with their direct approach. The hosts were rewarded in the eighth minute when winger Luka Tabatadze crossed in the corner from a well-worked lineout move to hand Georgia an early 5–0 lead.

Akahluwa Boqwana. Photo: Tamuna Kulumbegashvili/World Rugby

The Junior Boks, however, didn’t panic. They stayed composed, trusted their systems and gradually started gaining control through their powerful forward pack.

Captain and hooker Siphosethu Mnebelele led from the front as he scored twice from driving mauls in the 22nd and 33rd minutes, while flyhalf Luan Giliomee added a conversion to give South Africa a 12–5 advantage at the break.

The physical battle continued after half-time, but Georgia’s discipline became a major factor. Tighthead prop Levani Ezieshvili was yellow-carded late in the first half for a high tackle on Giliomee, with the sanction later upgraded to a 20-minute red card.

Luka Tabatadze scoring Georgia’s only try. Photo: Tamuna Kulumbegashvili/World Rugby

The hosts were reduced to 13 players shortly after the restart when Tabatadze was yellow-carded for a deliberate knock-down. Despite being short-handed, Georgia refused to back down and continued to frustrate the South Africans.

The Junior Boks remained patient and eventually made the extra numbers count. In the 53rd minute, Giliomee delivered a perfectly weighted cross-kick for winger Cheswill Jooste, who finished South Africa’s third try.

Georgia’s discipline problems continued when scrumhalf Daviti Tsiklauri was sent to the sin bin for repeated infringements close to his own tryline.

Giliomee then produced a clever piece of individual brilliance, catching the Georgian defence off guard with a quick tap before scoring South Africa’s bonus-point try. His conversion extended the lead to 26–5.

The final quarter became scrappy as both teams continued to throw everything into the contest, but the Junior Boks finished strongly when flank Luke Cannon crashed over for their fifth try. Replacement flyhalf Alzeadon Felix added the conversion to complete the victory.

Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote praised his team’s composure and maturity in what proved to be a difficult and emotional encounter against the tournament hosts.

Markus Muller. Photo: Tamuna Kulumbegashvili/World Rugby

“It wasn’t a pretty game by any stretch of the imagination,” said Foote.

“We knew it was going to be physical and quite emotional, but I think that we stayed on the right side of the referee. That’s important because it shows maturity when you don’t retaliate, and obviously when the opportunities came, we managed to capitalise on them.”

While pleased with a second consecutive victory, Foote said the match served as an important reminder that improvements are needed heading into the decisive stages of the competition.

Junior Springboks in the lineout. Photo: Tamuna Kulumbegashvili/World Rugby

“It’s certainly good to get a second game under our belts, but it was maybe a little wake-up call for us,” said Foote.

“We need to sharpen up in certain areas, and we’ll definitely look at that. However, the team kept in the fight and matched the physicality of a very determined Georgian side.”

The Junior Springboks will now shift their focus to their final Pool A match against Wales, with a place in the semi-finals up for grabs.

Georgia on the charge. Photo: Tamuna Kulumbegashvili/World Rugby

“From here it’s knockout rugby. Wales are a good team, and they’ve done really well in the tournament so far, so we’re expecting a big challenge,” added Foote.

The BabyBoks will tackle Wales on Tuesday in a do-or-die final group match.

Scorers:
Georgia: Try – Luka Tabatadze

Junior Springboks: Tries – Siphosethu Mnebelele 2, Cheswill Jooste, Luan Giliomee, Luke Cannon Conv. – Luan Giliomee 3, Alzeadon Felix

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm