By Adnaan Mohamed
Junior Boks coach Kevin Foote has made measured changes to his match-23 for Sunday’s U20 Rugby Championship clash against Australia at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Kick-off is at 16h10, with New Zealand facing Argentina earlier at 14h00.
The South Africans were convincing in their opening win over Argentina and Foote has largely kept faith with that combination, making a single change to the starting pack. Wasi Vyambwera comes in at blindside flank, adding fresh energy to a forward unit that laid a strong platform in the tournament opener.
The backline sees two adjustments, with Khuthadzo Rasivhaga starting on the left wing and Akahluwa Boqwana selected at fullback. Both players will be expected to add attacking edge against an Australian side known for its skill and tempo.
On the bench, Luan van der Berg replaces the injured Kai Pratt, while Gert Kemp and Jade Muller come into the matchday squad to provide loose forward and backline cover.
Foote said the team had taken valuable lessons from their opening performance.
“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,” he said.
The coach stressed the need for consistency across the full match.
“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 again run out in front of a passionate Eastern Cape crowd after a strong turnout in the opening round.
“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,” Foote said.
South Africa will look to build on their early momentum, with execution and discipline expected to be key against a well-organised Australian outfit.
Junior Springboks:
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