RooiBul crowned opening day hero

Pretorius was handed the award by Elma Smit, who heads up a panel of experts. His heroic moment occurred when he scored a late try to beat the Griffons 31-29 and secure the Pumas' first U-18 Craven Week victory since 2012

"I was meant to pass to the scrumhalf but I thought that it would be best if I hold onto the ball and go for the line without stopping, I will score. It worked as planned and I helped the team win.

"I was surprised when my coach told me that I had won the award. That is why this is the tournament where heroes are made," Pretorius said.

The prestigious Hero of the Day award is presented on each day of the tournament in recognition of a game changing 'hero' moment.

“A big congratulations to JC on his selection as the Coca-Cola Hero of the Day.  His try, resulting in a victory for his team, was not only a great moment of heroism but led to the Pumas' first victory at Craven Week since 2012," Smit stated.

Fetsi Mbele, Coca-Cola South Africa's Senior Communications Manager of Brand Experience stated that he is looking forward to tracking players like Pretorius for years to come.

"The Craven Week is 'Where Heroes Are Made' and for many of the players here this week, this is just the beginning of a future in the game. I look forward to following the likes of JC as they carve out a career for themselves in South African rugby," he said.