By Adnaan Mohamed
Great flyhalves rarely force a contest. They read it, season it and serve it at precisely the right moment. Junior Springbok flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed has spent the World Rugby Under-20 Championship doing exactly that. Better known as “The Chef” since his schooldays at Wynberg Boys’ High School, the 19-year-old Stormers playmaker earned the nickname for his knack for serving up moments that leave defences looking undercooked.
On Saturday evening in Tbilisi, Ahmed hopes the final dish on South Africa’s menu will be a successful title defence against France.
Yet, if the gifted flyhalf has learnt anything during this campaign, it is that no memorable meal is prepared by one person alone.
“Our coaching staff and medical team have been awesome in preparing us, not only for this match, but for the entire time that we’ve been together,” Ahmed said.
“They make it a really good environment for us, and all the boys are so focused and disciplined in their preparation and recovery.”
Ahmed’s words offer an insight into what has become the defining ingredient of this Junior Springbok side. Talent has carried them to a World Rugby Under-20 Championship final, though collective purpose has kept them there. Every training session, recovery block and technical meeting has strengthened a culture where contribution matters more than individual acclaim.
“It is really a team effort every day that we spend together. Those who are not in the team help the coaches prepare the guys who are playing.
“We motivate and push each other, and we keep learning and improving with each session, whether that’s a training session or a technical meeting.”
For a flyhalf often recognised for calm decision-making and clinical execution, Ahmed’s focus remains strikingly simple. The tournament has been distilled into one final challenge.
“We have 80 minutes left of this campaign, and we will give it our absolute best. Personally, I’m very grateful to be here as part of this group representing our country and the Junior Boks.”
Captain Siphosethu Mnebele, preparing for his second World Rugby Under-20 Championship, echoed head coach Kevin Foote’s insistence that the occasion itself has never become the team’s focus.
“We are well prepared for the final match, and we are all excited to represent South Africa in the final,” said the dynamic hooker.
“This is a new group, essentially, and our focus is only on the game and nothing else.
“Our focus is to be ready to take on a very good French side who have demonstrated their abilities by reaching the final.”
The final will carry an emotional weight beyond the pursuit of another world title.
The Junior Springboks will wear black armbands in memory of former South African Under-18 prop Luqobo Makwedini, who died on 10 July after collapsing at the end of a training session with his French club, AS Béziers Hérault.
If Ahmed is indeed The Chef, Saturday’s final will demand more than creative flair. France will bring physicality, pace and tactical precision. South Africa’s response will require composure under pressure, disciplined execution and unwavering trust in the collective.
Championships are seldom won through a single flash of brilliance. They are assembled piece by piece, like a carefully prepared meal where every ingredient serves a purpose. The Junior Springboks have spent weeks refining their recipe. Now comes the final tasting.
Eighty minutes remain to discover whether Ahmed and his teammates have cooked up another world title.
France U20: 15 Axel Guillaud, 14 Paul Zwiler, 13 Adrien Drault, 12 Bastien Rasal, 11 Melvyn Rates, 10 Luka Keletaona, 9 Baptiste Tilloles, 8 Elyjah Ibsaiene, 7 Lucas Andjisseramatchi (captain), 6 Raphael Audebert, 5 Romeo Bonnard Martin, 4 Baptiste Veschambre, 3 Alexandre Langlois, 2 Gabin Garault, 1 Matheo Frisach.
Replacements: 16 Elia Masi, 17 Edouard Jabea Njocke, 18 Mael Turpin, 19 Leo Michaux, 20 Bobby Bissu, 21 Valentin Hutteau, 22 Diego Jurd, 23 Hugo Avogardo.
South Africa U20: 15 Alzeadon Felix, 14 Cheswill Jooste, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Ethan Adams, 11 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Hendré Schoeman, 8 Wasi Vyambwera, 7 Luke Cannon, 6 Risima Khosa, 5 JD Hattingh, 4 Heinrich Theron, 3 Danie Kruger, 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele (captain), 1 Oliver Reid.
Replacements: 16 Liam van Wyk, 17 Rambo Kubheka, 18 Luan van der Berg, 19 Jaythen Orange, 20 Thomas Beling, 21 Gert Kemp, 22 Jayden Brits, 23 Samuel Badenhorst.
Referee: Reuben Keane (Australia)
Assistant referees: George Selwood (England), Gonzalo de Achaval (Argentina)
TMO: Paulo Duarte (Portugal)