Coach Kevin Foote has gone with continuity by naming a settled Junior Springbok team to face Australia in Sunday’s opening match of the World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy.
The starting XV, announced on Friday, features just four changes from the lineup that narrowly lost to New Zealand in the U20 Rugby Championship. Siya Ndlozi comes in on the left wing, while Batho Hlekani and Xola Nyali start on the flanks, and Herman Lubbe gets the nod at tighthead prop.
“We are extremely excited about starting the World Championship in Italy,” said Foote. “It’s a great country and you can feel the energy within the group. The players have prepared well, they’ve got clarity, and they are just such a great group together.”
South Africa’s U20s will be out for redemption after letting a 17-point lead slip against Australia last month in Gqeberha. Foote said the selection was guided by trust in combinations and understanding built through their previous matches.
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“Selection is always tough and leaving some guys out is hard,” he explained, “but we’ve gone with a team that has played a lot together now, has a lot of synergy and understanding of our game, and knows how to connect on the field.”
Captain Riley Norton will again lead the side, supported by vice-captains Haashim Pead, JJ Theron, and Siphosethu Mnebelele. The match-day 23 includes lock Jaco Grobbelaar and utility back Jaco Williams, both of whom joined the squad late following Vodacom URC duties.
“He’s trained very well since joining,” said Foote of Grobbelaar. “Having his big physical presence is fundamental to the way we want to play. The same goes for Jaco Williams, who brings calmness in his role.”
Flyhalf Ian van der Merwe and Williams are also in line to earn their Junior Bok debuts from the bench.
With England and Scotland also in their pool, the Junior Boks are aware of the stakes, but Foote says the team is eager to launch into the championship.
“We are excited about the challenge from Australia, and we cannot wait to get going.”
JUNIOR SPRINGBOKS – 15 Gilermo Mentoe, 14 Cheswill Jooste, 13 Demitre Erasmus, 12 Albie Bester, 11 Siyabonga Ndlozi, 10 Vusi Moyo, 9 Haashim Pead, 8 Wandile Mlaba, 7 Bathobele Hlekani, 6 Xola Nyali, 5 JJ Theron, 4 Riley Norton (c), 3 Herman Lubbe, 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele, 1 Simphiwe Ngobese.
Bench: 16 Jaundre Schoeman, 17 Oliver Reid, 18 Jean Erasmus, 19 Jaco Grobbelaar, 20 Matt Romao, 21 Erich Visser, 22 Ian van der Merwe, 23 Jaco Williams.
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
