Junior Springboks head coach Kevin Foote has made several rotational changes to his matchday squad ahead of South Africa’s second-round U20 Rugby Championship encounter against Australia at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Sunday, 3 May.
The highly anticipated clash kicks off at 16:10 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport, following the earlier fixture between New Zealand and Argentina at 14:00.
New Zealand vs Argentina
South Africa vs Australia
Tickets, from only R35, are still available.
After an impressive opening-round performance against Argentina, Foote has opted for a handful of tactical adjustments.
In the forward pack, Wasi Vyambwera replaces Thomas Beling at blindside flanker as the only starting change among the forwards.
The backline sees Khuthadzo Rasivhaga come in on the left wing for Lindsey Jansen, while Akahluwa Boqwana takes over at fullback in place of Alzeadon Felix.
On the bench, Luan van der Berg replaces injured Kai Pratt, Gert Kemp slots in as loose forward cover for Risima Khosa, and Jade Muller fills the outside back reserve role.
Areas requiring improvement
Foote said the team used the week to review their victory over Argentina while identifying areas requiring improvement.
“We had a really good review of our performance against Argentina and, while we are very pleased with the result and the way the players performed on defence and attack for long periods of the match, there are obviously aspects of our game that need improvement,” said Foote.
“Our focus is playing the full 80 minutes and ensuring that we stay on our game model to meet what will be a huge challenge against an Australian side that is well coached and who boasts strong skill sets across the park.”
The Junior Boks will once again enjoy home support in Gqeberha after more than 10,000 spectators attended last week’s opening round.
Electric atmosphere
Foote praised the passionate Eastern Cape crowd and expects another electric atmosphere.
“The support we received against Argentina last week was absolutely fantastic, and we are excited to be playing in front of the passionate Eastern Cape rugby fans once again,” he said.
Australia enters the fixture after showcasing their attacking capabilities against New Zealand, setting up what promises to be a fierce contest between two rugby powerhouses.
With momentum on their side and home support behind them, the Junior Springboks will be aiming to secure another statement victory in their championship campaign.
Junior Springboks team to face Australia
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 (captain), 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 Gert Kemp, 21 Jayden Brits, 22 Vusi Moyo, 23 Jade Muller
