The SA U20’s started the defence of their IRB Junior World Championship title with a 97-0 drubbing of USA, who seemed to have skipped tackling class.
Wing Seabelo Senatla scored four times to equal the JWC record for most tries scored by an individual in a single match.
The Baby Boks lead 54-0 at halftime thanks to nine tries in an action-packed first half.
The defending champions were relentless in their assault on the United States try line. Bok captain Ruan Steenkamp missed a chance to turn the scoreboard over to 100 points for his team when he lost the ball over the try line during the last movement of the match.
Centre Handré Pollard got the Junior Springbok on the scoreboard with an early penalty but he struggled thereafter with his conversion attempts, and his form off the tee would probably be the only thing troubling coach Dawie Theron. Flyhalf Robert du Preez then took over the kicking duties from him.
The South African backs were full of enterprise and dangerous whenever they were running with the ball while the forward laid the platform with some impressive drives and skillful play throughout the entire match.
Replacement fullback Jessie Kriel slotted in well at the back where he took over from Cheslin Kolbe, who was simply sensational with ball in hand early in the game. Kolbe scored a try and made a few more before being given a rest in the second half.
Theron was understandably pleased with his team’s performance: “It was good to get the first match out of the way. However, I cautioned the guys that this is an extremely tough competition and that we will keep our feet firmly on the ground.
“There are still two tough pools matches waiting for us against England and home team France. Our backs did the job for us but they could only do so because our forwards laid the platform with some really good, hard work up front,” said Theron.
South Africa next play England on Sunday at the same venue.
Points scorers:
Tries: Andrew Beerwinkel, Cheslin Kolbe, Seabelo Senatla (4), Ruan Steenkamp, Justin Geduld (2), Jacques du Toit, Jesse Kriel (2), Michael Willemse (2), Luther Obi (2). Conversions: Handré Pollard, Robert du Preez (6). Penalty: Pollard
Other results:
England 30-6 France
Ireland 19-15 Australia
Wales 42-3 Samoa
Argentina 44-13 Scotland
New Zealand 59-6 Fiji
