![\"Riley](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/250714-riley-norton-junior-boks.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSpeaking from their Italian base of Valpolicella before of the much-anticipated clash, Junior Boks head coach Kevin Foote, captain Riley Norton, and vice-captain Haashim Pead shared their thoughts on the big occasion, the team\u2019s preparation, and the significance of the match.<\/p>\n
For Norton and Pead, the journey to the final has been shaped by their experiences playing rugby at school level in South Africa \u2013 a fiercely competitive environment that has prepared them well for the global stage.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt prepared us very well for a tournament like this,\u201d said Norton, who captained Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch last year.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re used to big games at school, and we\u2019ve always enjoyed them. Playing in front of huge, passionate crowds back home has definitely helped us handle the pressure.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Riley Norton in action against Argentina last Monday.<\/p>\n
Pead, who attended Bishops in Cape Town, echoed the sentiment: \u201cIt\u2019s great to be part of a game of this magnitude, but it doesn\u2019t mean we need to change our preparation or approach. We\u2019ll stick to our routine, trust our processes, and enjoy the occasion.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Junior Boks have impressed throughout the tournament, with their semi-final victory over Argentina showcasing both attacking flair and defensive grit.<\/p>\n
Speaking to international media ahead of the big game, Foote praised the team\u2019s execution and resilience in their semi-final.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur strike plays were outstanding, and the defence was gutsy,\u201d said Foote.<\/p>\n
\u201cNew Zealand back their attack and they\u2019ve grown in confidence as the tournament has progressed. Like us, they\u2019re passionate and composed \u2013 it\u2019s going to be a great game.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Haashim](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/250707-haashim-pead-junior-boks.jpg\")
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Haashim Pead clears the ball in the pool match against England.<\/p>\n
Norton emphasised the team\u2019s belief and unity heading into the final: \u201cWe\u2019ve spoken a lot about backing ourselves. Pressure is always going to be there \u2013 it\u2019s been there throughout the tournament.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut our confidence comes from our preparation. We haven\u2019t played in a final for 11 years, so this is a special moment. Each player truly cares for the team. It\u2019s less about pressure and more about excitement,\u201d said Norton.<\/p>\n
Pead \u2013 the tournament\u2019s leading try scorer with six, plus a handful of try-assists \u2013 also credited the coaching staff for giving the backs the freedom to express themselves.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur tries have been a result of the platform laid by the coaches,\u201d said Pead. \u201cThey\u2019ve prepared us so well and given us the freedom to showcase our skills.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Vusi](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/250704-vusi-moyo-junior-boks.jpg\")
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Vusi Moyo is the top points’ scorer at the tournament.<\/p>\n
One of the team\u2019s standout performers has been Vusi Moyo, whose long-range kicking and composure has allowed the Junior Boks to gain valuable territory.<\/p>\n
According to Foote, Moyo has had an unbelievable tournament. The SA U20 flyhalf has scored 50 points in the four games he has played to date, the most by any player of the 12 participating teams.<\/p>\n
\u201cVusi puts a lot into his training and has learnt a lot during his time playing next to from Haashim, who\u2019s more experienced and played here last year,\u201d said Foote. \u201cWe saw what he did against England \u2013 kicking from over 50 metres. He\u2019ll take a lot of confidence into the final.\u201d<\/p>\n