By Adnaan Mohamed
The Junior Springboks will look to light the first fire of their Under-20 Rugby Championship campaign when they face Argentina in Gqeberha on Monday, with flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed expected to play a central role in shaping South Africa’s attacking edge.
Ahmed, known to many as “The Chef”, has earned a reputation for stirring defences with a blend of vision, timing and composure. The former Wynberg Boys’ High playmaker, now aligned with the Stormers, steps into the No 10 jersey with the responsibility of directing traffic against a Los Pumitas side known for its physical edge and structured set piece.
Kick-off at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is scheduled for 16h10, with the match broadcast live on SuperSport.
Captain Riley Norton leads a side that combines continuity with emerging talent. Norton, who skippered the Junior Boks to World Championship success in Italy last year, anchors the pack alongside lock partner Heinrich Theron, while the front row of Rambo Kubheka, Liam van Wyk and Danie Kruger is tasked with providing a stable platform.
In the backline, Ahmed will link with scrumhalf Hendré Schoeman in a pairing that balances tempo with control. Out wide, Jack Benade is rewarded for his Varsity Cup form, joining Lindsey Jansen on the wings, while Ethan Adams and Samuel Badenhorst combine in midfield.
At fullback, Alzeadon Felix completes a back three that offers both counter-attacking threat and defensive cover.
Junior Bok coach Kevin Foote expects a demanding contest against Argentina, who have consistently tested South Africa at this level.
“They are known for their physicality and their solid set piece, so we know we will have to steady ourselves for a very tough contest,” said Foote.
“Our recent contests have been very close – they played exceptionally well against us in this tournament last year, and we had to dig very deep to overcome them in the semi-final of the World Championship last year in Italy.”
The breakdown is likely to be a key battleground, with loose forwards Luke Canon, Kebotile Maake and Thomas Beling carrying the responsibility of slowing Argentina’s momentum while securing quality possession.
Foote indicated that the tempo of the match could be high, in line with the approach favoured by southern hemisphere teams.
“Argentina, like the other southern hemisphere sides, prefer a high-tempo game with plenty of ball in play,” he said.
“They are a battle-hardened, tenacious outfit, and we will have to work extremely hard throughout the contest if we want to impose ourselves.
“Our DNA is our physicality, and we are looking forward to playing an exciting brand of rugby.”
South Africa will be without a handful of players due to injury and senior commitments, though the squad retains depth. Vusi Moyo returns from injury and is expected to provide cover at flyhalf from the bench, while Oliver Reid adds experience in the front row.
Earlier on Monday, Australia and New Zealand will open the tournament, which features the leading Under-20 sides from the southern hemisphere.
For the Junior Boks, the focus will be on execution and control. If the forwards establish a foothold, Ahmed’s ability to read space and manage territory could prove decisive in setting the tone for the campaign.
Junior Springboks team vs Argentina U20
Starting XV
15. Alzeadon Felix, 14. Jack Benade, 13. Samuel Badenhorst, 12. Ethan Adams, 11. Lindsey Jansen, 10. Yaqeen Ahmed, 9. Hendré Schoeman, 8. Kebotile Maake, 7. Thomas Beling, 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. Kai Pratt, 19. JD Hattingh, 20. Risima Khosa, 21. Jayden Brits, 22. Vusi Moyo, 23. Khuthadzo Rasivhaga
