GQEBERHA – The countdown to the U20 Rugby Championship is underway, with Gqeberha’s Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium once again set to host some of the world’s most promising young rugby talent.

The tournament, featuring the U20 sides of South Africa, New Zealand, Argentina and Australia, runs from Monday, 27 April until Saturday, 9 May, with the Junior Springboks looking to lay down an early marker on home soil against Argentina.

Despite their success in last year’s campaign, Junior Boks attack coach Melusi Mthethwa emphasised that the squad is approaching this year’s competition with a renewed mindset.

“We’ve come off a good year, but that’s an old chapter now,” Mthethwa said. “What’s most important for us is to stay humble and start building again towards the next World Cup.”

The squad has already spent significant time together, including a tour to Georgia, which Mthethwa believes has helped build cohesion and sharpen focus ahead of the tournament.

“The mood in camp is really good. The boys are focussed, and there’s a strong sense that we’re starting afresh. Every team coming here has a plan for us, so it’s about going out and doing our job.”

A key pillar of the Junior Boks’ approach will be a direct, physical attacking game; a style deeply rooted in South African rugby identity.

“We need to earn the right to do certain things,” he explained. “We want to be direct, go forward and keep it simple. If we do that well, the rest of our game will open up.”

While Mthethwa stopped short of revealing tactical specifics, he hinted that supporters can expect a combative edge.

We love that hardness, that physical contest. We’ll get into that space first, and then see where the game takes us.

Equally important will be the team’s ability to adapt to conditions in Gqeberha, particularly the city’s well-known wind factor.

“The wind will play a role, no doubt,” Mthethwa said. “We’ve been training in these conditions, so the players are getting used to it. Whether we’re playing with or against it, we need to be prepared.”

Up front, forwards coach Barend Pieterse has placed strong emphasis on set-piece dominance as the foundation for success.

“It’s always a big focus for us,” Pieterse said. “No matter the opposition, we pride ourselves on our set piece. That’s something we take very seriously every game.”

He added that while the tournament will feature high-tempo, expansive teams, the Junior Boks intend to impose their own pace.

“Our plan is always tempo. We want teams to adapt to us, not the other way around. Starting fast and maintaining intensity will be key.”

Preparations for the championship have included an overseas tour and multiple training camps, which Pieterse believes have positioned the squad well.

“We couldn’t have asked for better preparation. From our first camp to the Georgia tour and our recent time in Stellenbosch, everything has built towards this.”

Returning to Gqeberha is also seen as a positive, with both coaches highlighting the value of playing in familiar surroundings.

“It’s a fantastic venue and the people here have been very welcoming,” said Mthethwa. “We’re grateful to be back.”

Pieterse echoed those sentiments, noting the squad’s hunger to make an impression.

“They’re a young group and excited to be together. There’s definitely a point to prove going into this tournament,” Pieterse concluded.

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