Theron content with Junior Boks
Theron feels there are several positives to build on as they prepare for the World Junior Championship in Manchester, commencing on June 7.
The squad has been training rigidly to familiarise themselves with the structures and systems put in place by Theron and his coaching team for the international showpiece.
The Junior Boks played a contact session against the Western Province Institute in Stellenbosch on Friday morning.
The innovation showed on attack combined with their solid defensive effort by the players impressed Theron.
"It was pleasing to see the players’ skill-levels on attack and the way they put their bodies on the line on defense, so there are several positives we can build on as our preparation intensifies for the World Championship.
"The handling skills, in particular, were really impressive, and it was pleasing to see how the players mixed things up on attack," he said.
He praised the young men for showing maturity against the WP Institute.
"It was also encouraging to see how several players shone out with their impressive performances under pressure and against a quality Western Province Institute outfit," Theron added.
All 36 players, apart from centre JT Jackson, flyhalf Manie Libbok (Blue Bulls) and No.8 Junior Pokomela (EP Kings) – who were released for provincial duty, and those nursing injuries – participated in the contact session.
The squad will have further contact sessions against the Western Province Academy on April 26, and the WP Institute on May 6.
The side will face Golden Lions Under-19 and U-21 teams in Johannesburg on May 13, in their first warm-up match.
Followed by clashes against Maties in Stellenbosch on May 17 and the Eagles in Oudtshoorn on May 21.
