Junior Springboks coach Kevin Foote has made a few tweaks to his side for Sunday’s crucial U20 Rugby Championship clash against Australia in Gqeberha.
The Junior Boks produced an impressive performance in their opening-round victory over Argentina and will now look to maintain their momentum against an Australian side desperate to bounce back after defeat to New Zealand.
Foote has largely kept faith with the team that dismantled Los Pumitas, making just one change to the starting pack. Wasi Vyambwera comes in at blindside flank in place of Thomas Beling.
MORE: Refocused Junior Boks get Bulls reinforcement
There are two changes in the backline, with Khuthadzo Rasivhaga replacing Lindsey Jansen on the left wing, while Akahluwa Boqwana gets the nod at fullback ahead of Alzeadon Felix.
On the bench, prop Luan van der Berg replaces the injured Kai Pratt, while Gert Kemp comes in as loose-forward cover for Risima Khosa. Jade Muller slots onto the bench as the reserve outside back.
Foote said the Junior Boks had taken important lessons from their opening-round display despite the convincing win over Argentina.
“We had a really good review of our performance against Argentina,” said Foote.
“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.
“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.”
ALSO: Foote proud of Junior Boks’ first step
Powerhouse centre Ethan Adams will again be one of the key men for South Africa after his dominant display against Argentina, where he crashed over for two tries in a destructive midfield performance.
Victory for the Junior Boks would put them in a strong position heading into the final round of the tournament.
JUNIOR BOKS – 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 (c), 4 Heinrich Theron, 3 Danie Kruger, 2 Liam van Wyk, 1 Rambo Kubheka. Bench: 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.
Rotational tweaks for Sunday’s #TRCU20 clash against Australia, catch the action live on @SSRugby – more here: https://t.co/qjbQfdfxX3
Tickets from R35 here: https://t.co/8uUeQNVXbo
#JuniorBoks #JourneyToGreatness pic.twitter.com/RtcTmmcj4T
— SA Junior Rugby (@SAJuniorRugby) May 1, 2026
Photo: @SAJuniorRugby/X
The post Junior Boks reload for massive Aussie clash appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
