Baby Boks have to bounce back to defeat France

14 June 2016 - 09:50 By KHANYISO TSHWAKU

While the Springboks and the Proteas took turns in gifting victories to Ireland and Australia respectively on Saturday, the Baby Boks' 19-13 loss to Argentina in the Under-20 World Championships on Saturday went under the radar. Of the three big games, this was one where South Africa were outplayed and out-thought by a smart team.That puts Dawie Theron's side in the perilous position of having to beat France heavily tomorrow at the Manchester City Academy Stadium, while having to wait for other results to go their way.New Zealand and Australia in Pool A and B also have six points but they have different and difficult obstacles. New Zealand face the unpredictable Welsh while Australia have to deal with England's formidable pack.At least South Africa have the benefit of knowing what they need to do to qualify because of their 7.45pm kickoff.The semifinals are made up of three group winners and the best runner-ups, which magnifies the importance of the team's loss to Argentina.With their early win against France, Argentina are primed for a first-place finish and an automatic semifinal position.They face Japan at the AJ Bell Stadium in Salford, the easiest game of the group despite the Japanese showing glimpses of bravery in their two heavy defeats to South Africa and France.While the Baby Boks have the institutional knowledge of bouncing back from a group stage defeat to win a tournament, doing it again and away from home comforts is a different task. Baby Boks assistant coach Nazeem Adams is hopeful the team will rise to the occasion."Everyone was down on Saturday after the match and on Sunday morning, but the energy levels were up again at training today and the players showed that they are determined to fight back with a victory against France."..

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