The Junior Springboks are back in action this afternoon as they host Australia in a pivotal second-round clash of the U20 Rugby Championship. Following a dominant opening performance against Argentina, head coach Kevin Foote has refreshed his squad to maintain momentum at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Match Details & Kick-Off Time
If you’re planning to catch the action, here is the schedule for Sunday, 3 May:
- Match: South Africa U20 vs. Australia U20
- Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha
- Kick-off: 16:10
- Broadcast: Live on SuperSport
- Tickets: Available from R35
Note: This follows the 14:00 curtain-raiser between New Zealand and Argentina.
Squad Rotations: New Faces in the Starting XV
Coach Kevin Foote has implemented several tactical changes to keep the squad fresh and address specific areas for improvement:
The Forwards
The pack remains largely settled, with only one change: Wasi Vyambwera steps into the starting lineup at blindside flanker, replacing Thomas Beling.
The Backline
Two key shifts in the back three see Khuthadzo Rasivhaga take over the left wing and Akahluwa Boqwana slotting in at fullback.
The Bench
Fresh legs are ready to impact the game, with Luan van der Berg (replacing the injured Kai Pratt), Gert Kemp, and Jade Muller all named among the replacements.
Coach’s Corner: “Focus on the Full 80”
Despite a winning start, Foote is demanding more clinical execution from his side against a dangerous Australian outfit.
“Our focus is playing the full 80 minutes and ensuring that we stay on our game model,” Foote remarked. “Australia boasts strong skill sets across the park; it will be a huge challenge.”
The Junior Boks are banking on the “Gqeberha Factor” to carry them through. Over 10,000 fans turned out for the opening round, and the team is expecting another passionate Eastern Cape welcome to help them secure a second consecutive victory.
Official Matchday Squad
| Position | Player |
| Fullback | 15 Akahluwa Boqwana |
| Wings | 14 Jack Benade, 11 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga |
| Centres | 13 Samuel Badenhorst, 12 Ethan Adams |
| Halfbacks | 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Hendré Schoeman |
| Back Row | 8 Kebotile Maake, 7 Wasi Vyambwera, 6 Luke Canon |
| Locks | 5 Riley Norton (C), 4 Heinrich Theron |
| Front Row | 3 Danie Kruger, 2 Liam van Wyk, 1 Rambo Kubheka |
Replacements: 16 Mahle Sithole, 17 Oliver Reid, 18 Luan van der Berg, 19 JD Hattingh, 20 Gert Kemp, 21 Jayden Brits, 22 Vusi Moyo, 23 Jade Muller.
