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Cape Town - The Junior Springboks who are playing in this year's Under-20 World Championships in Italy have bright futures ahead of them.
That is the view of coach Dawie Theron, who has had a hand to play in the development of numerous Super Rugby players in his stint as coach, including current Bulls and Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard.
WATCH: INTERVIEW WITH JUNIOR SPRINGBOK COACH DAWIE THERON
"Handre was one of those first guys that we knew from U16 already and you’ve got to keep your finger on the pulse,” said Theron.
"If you think about guys like Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Handre Pollard, Jan Serfontein... all those guys are making a name for themselves at a young age," said Theron.
"I reckon if you look at this group of players you’ve already got Thomas du Toit who has played Super Rugby. You’ve got the Du Preez brothers (Jean-Luc, Dan) who I think are a massive prospect for the future.
“I believe there are going to be big things ahead for the guys.”
The Baby Boks have been drawn in a tough pool alongside hosts Italy, Australia and Samoa.
"Italy in Italy. They will be highly motivated and for us we’re going to focus on that game to put things in place,” said Theron.
“We played Samoa last year, they’re a very physical side... you have to be ready for them. Australia made no secret about the fact that they think they are the best prepared they have ever been for an U20 World Cup … we expect very tough competition from them as well.”
South Africa get their tournament underway against Italy on June 2.
