The stage is set for a monumental showdown in the Friendly City as the Junior Springboks prepare to face their ultimate rivals, the New Zealand “Baby Blacks,” in the final round of the Under-20 Rugby Championship.
Following a dominant performance against Australia, the South Africans head into Saturday’s clash at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium as the tournament leaders, sitting on 10 points.
One Point for the Title
The math is simple for the Junior Boks: they need just one log point from this encounter to officially secure the inaugural U20 Rugby Championship trophy. Despite the favorable standings, head coach Kevin Foote is treating the match with the gravity that any clash against New Zealand deserves.
- Squad Continuity: Foote has opted for maximum stability, making only one change to the matchday 23. Loose forward Risima Khosa returns to the replacements bench, replacing Gert Kemp.
- The Rivalry: “For us in rugby, it doesn’t get better than South Africa versus New Zealand,” said Foote. “It’s every South African rugby player’s dream to stand facing the haka and take on New Zealand.”
Eastern Cape Fever
Gqeberha has turned out in force for the tournament, with over 20,000 fans attending the first two rounds. Foote is counting on that “unique energy” to carry his team across the finish line.
- Beyond the Trophy: While the title is within reach, Foote emphasized that the focus remains on the developmental journey of this specific group of players and maintaining the high standard of performance they’ve set so far.
- Match Details: Kick-off is at 16:10. For those wanting to witness history in person, tickets are still available starting from just R35.
Junior Springbok Lineup
Starting XV: 15 Akahluwa Boqwana, 14 Jack Benade, 13 Samuel Badenhorst, 12 Ethan Adams, 11 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Hendré Schoeman, 8 Kebotile Maake, 7 Wasi Vyambwera, 6 Luke Canon, 5 Riley Norton (C), 4 Heinrich Theron, 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 Risima Khosa, 21 Jayden Brits, 22 Vusi Moyo, 23 Jade Muller.
