The Junior Springboks are on the precipice of rugby glory as they square off against a powerhouse France side in the Junior World Championship (JWC) final this Saturday evening in Tbilisi. Standing on the brink of securing back-to-back world titles, the next generation of South African rugby stars is looking to emulate the championship-winning standard set by the senior national team.
Ahead of the highly anticipated clash, the team confirmed they will wear black armbands to honor the memory of former SA U18 prop Luqobo Makwedini, who tragically passed away on 10 July.
“Excited to Represent South Africa” — Skipper Mnebelele Ready for War
Junior Boks captain and hooker Siphosethu Mnebelele, who is making his second consecutive JWC final appearance, made it clear that the squad isn’t letting the pressure of history distract them from the 80 minutes ahead.
“We are well prepared for the final match, and we are all excited to represent South Africa in the final,” Mnebelele said. “This is a new group, essentially, and our focus is only on the game and nothing else. Our focus is to be ready to take on a very good French side who have demonstrated their abilities by reaching the final.”
Tactical Tweaks: Coach Kevin Foote Shuffles the Selection
SA U20 head coach Kevin Foote has kept changes to a minimum, ensuring tactical continuity while injecting fresh energy into key areas:
- The Pack: Two strategic adjustments in the loose trio see Wasi Vyambwera earn the start at No. 8, while Risima Khosa steps in at flank.
- The Backline: A singular, enforced change sees Alzeadon Felix slot into the fullback position to replace the suspended Luan Giliomee.
Match Details & Broadcast Info
- Date: Saturday, 18 July 2026
- Kick-off: 18:30 (SAST)
- Venue: Tbilisi, Georgia
- Live Broadcast: SuperSport
How the Junior Springboks Line Up
Starting XV: 15 Alzeadon Felix, 14 Cheswill Jooste, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Ethan Adams, 11 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Hendré Schoeman, 8 Wasi Vyambwera, 7 Luke Cannon, 6 Risima Khosa, 5 JD Hattingh, 4 Heinrich Theron, 3 Danie Kruger, 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele (c), 1 Oliver Reid.
Replacements: 16 Liam van Wyk, 17 Rambo Kubheka, 18 Luan van der Berg, 19 Jaythen Orange, 20 Thomas Beling, 21 Gert Kemp, 22 Jayden Brits, 23 Samuel Badenhorst.
