TBILISI, GEORGIA — While the senior Springboks enjoy their final week of preparation before tackling England, South African rugby fans still have a massive blockbuster international clash to feast on this weekend. The Junior Springboks officially launch their World Rugby U20 Championship campaign in Georgia as defending champions, looking to lay down an immediate marker on the global stage.
The Next-Gen Boks are scheduled to lock horns with Uruguay in their opening Pool A clash on Saturday evening.
Kick-Off Time & Broadcast Details
- Match-Up: Junior Springboks vs Uruguay U20
- Kick-Off Time: Saturday, 27 June 2026 at 18:30 (South African Standard Time / SAST)
- Live Broadcast: SuperSport Variety 1 & Grandstand (Check local listings)
- Tournament Venue: Tbilisi, Georgia
Kubheka Steps Up to Captain the World Champions
With tournament squad skipper Siphosethu Mnebelele strategically named on a powerful five-forward replacement bench, powerhouse prop Rambo Kubheka will officially lead the South Africans onto the park as matchday captain.
Reflecting on his rapid rise to leadership within Bafanie Nhleko’s structural system, Kubheka expressed absolute humility ahead of their opening test in Tbilisi.
“It’s a blessing for me and such a great honour. If someone had told me a year ago that I would be leading the team as captain in our first match, honestly, I would have thought that was a joke. We are not dwelling on past achievements. Everyone is very keen to start the tournament on a clean sheet. We respect all our opponents and won’t take anyone lightly.”
Junior Boks Matchday 23 Lineup
The coaching staff has opted for a highly dynamic, physically imposing starting XV to combat Uruguay’s rugged style:
- Starting Backline: 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Ethan Adams, 11 Jordan Steenkamp, 10 Alzeadon Felix, 9 Hendré Schoeman.
- Starting Engine Room: 8 Vuyo Gwiji, 7 Gert Kemp, 6 Risima Khosa, 5 JD Hattingh, 4 Jaythen Orange, 3 Luan van der Berg, 2 Liam van Wyk, 1 Rambo Kubheka (c).
- The Bench: 16 Siphosetho Mnebelele, 17 Jordan Jooste, 18 Danie Kruger, 19 Thomas Beling, 20 Wasi Vyambwera, 21 Jayden Brits, 22 Akahluwa Boqwana, 23 Cheswill Jooste.
Tactical Note: Keep a close eye on the bench, which features the explosive return of United Rugby Championship (URC) Bulls wing asset Cheswill Jooste, who brings valuable senior professional match minutes to the team’s late-game strategy.
