Junior Springbok captain Riley Norton will lead an exciting-looking SA Under-19 Academy team against France when the two sides clash on Saturday in Châteauroux, approximately three hours’ drive south of Paris.

Norton (lock) will captain a side featuring four more players from the Junior Boks’ World Rugby U20 Championship-winning team in the first of two internationals on their European tour. The tour also includes a match against their Irish counterparts next week in Cork.

The other capped Junior Boks in the starting fifteen for Saturday are Oliver Reid (prop), Siphosethu Mnebelele (hooker) and Vusi Moyo (flyhalf), while Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka (prop) will provide impact off the bench.

The SA U19s already got a taste of what to expect when they participated in a series of combined field sessions with the French under-19 squad – who are also based at the French High-Performance Centre in Marcoussis – on Monday.

Junior Bok head coach Kevin Foote described Saturday’s match as a special occasion, with the clash seen in many ways as a curtain raiser to the much-anticipated blockbuster test later Saturday evening in Paris between France and the Springboks.

Foote said his team would also use the match to honour Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, who will run out for his 100th test at the Stade de France.

“We want to play well for our country and play well for Siya in particular, for appearing in his 100th test for the Springboks; and we want to honour him with our performance,” said Foote.

Regarding the selection for Saturday afternoon’s match day squad, which consists of 26 players as agreed to by both teams, Foote said: “It’s always challenging with such a talented group, but there were three things we considered when selecting the group. The first thing was that we tracked the guys the whole year, in the FNB Varsity Cup and the SA Rugby under-21 and under-19 provincial competitions.

“We’ve also seen how they have committed to our programme and how they have settled down and fitted into how we want to play, and what our culture is. And then, of course, we took into consideration their performances in our ‘friendly match’ against France on Monday.”

The SA under-19s only had a week to prepare in Stellenbosch before flying out to Paris last week, but Foote reckons that group cohesion is developing nicely, something which he took into consideration when they selected the team for Saturday’s clash in Châteauroux.

“We have a lot of data on the players, and we think combinations are important, plus we are building on those combinations all the time,” he said.

“We are looking forward to Saturday’s occasion, which will see a clash between two teams who are very proud to represent their country.”

The match in Châteauroux will kick off at 2.30pm local time (3.30pm SA time), and local organisers have confirmed that more than 7 000 tickets have already been sold.

SA U19 Academy team to face France U19 in Chateauroux:

15 Akahluwa Boqwana (Vodacom Bulls)

14 Lindsey Jansen (Vodacom Bulls)

13 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga (Hollywoodbets Sharks)

12 Pieter van der Merwe (vice-captain, Vodacom Bulls)

11 Dylan Miller (DHL Western Province)

10 Vusi Moyo (Hollywoodbets Sharks)

9 Elgernon Meyer (Fidelity ADT Lions)

8 Reuben Kruger (DHL Western Province)

7 Aiden de Costa (DHL Western Province)

6 Kebotile Maake (Vodacom Bulls)

5 Riley Norton (captain, DHL Western Province)

4 Heinrich Theron (Vodacom Bulls)

3 Danie Kruger (DHL Western Province)

2 Siphosethu Mnebelele (Vodacom Bulls)

1 Oliver Reid (DHL Western Province)

Replacements

16 Liam van Wyk (Hollywoodbets Sharks)

17 Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka (Hollywoodbets Sharks)

18 Ulrich van der Merwe (Hollywoodbets Sharks)

19 JD Hattingh (Fidelity ADT Lions)

20 Tom Barnard (DHL Western Province)

21 Vuyo Gwiji (Fidelity ADT Lions)

22 Luan Giliomee (Hollywoodbets Sharks)

23 Janco Purchase (Hollywoodbets Sharks)

24 Risima Khosa (Fidelity ADT Lions)

25 Brooklyn Newman (Vodacom Bulls)

26 Unathi Mlotshwa (Vodacom Bulls)

Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote was very pleased with the SA Under-19 Academy side’s tough workout against their French counterparts late Monday afternoon at the French Rugby Federation’s High-Performance centre in Marcoussis near Paris, where they are based during the French leg of their European tour.

The two sides are gearing up to face each other in an international friendly at Châteauroux on Saturday. Both teams got a good taste of what’s to come when they had a series of unit sessions and a full-on contact session on the Marcoussis fields on Monday.

After warm-ups and technical drills were completed, the teams used each other as live opposition during the forwards and backs unit sessions. The forwards staged proper scrums and lineouts, while the backlines got a chance to run some active plays – both on attack and defence.

Foote, who oversees the SA Under-19s, said he and his coaching staff were grateful for the opportunity and expressed his satisfaction with the various outcomes.

“The practice was really good for us and we saw from our lineouts, as well as our mauling, scrum, and our set piece, all the good work that Lumumba Currie (forwards coach) has done,” said Foote.

“Melusi Mthethwa (attack coach) had a chance to run some backline plays against the French, and it got quite heated at one stage. There was a bit of passion, and I think both teams are very excited about representing their country, of which we are very proud. Then we had a proper training hit out involving the full teams.”

Following a brief a break after the unit sessions, the two teams met for a live training session, where both sides used the opportunity to cycle their full squads into the action.

Foote pinpointed one area for improvement: “One work-on for us is definitely our breakdown. I think they challenged us really hard in that area and came with a lot of line speed. We’ve got to understand how we want to play against them and how we’re going to nullify the breakdown pressure.

“But, generally I’m very happy, I thought the guys stuck together and they played a nice brand of rugby. We managed to score some great tries, and we defended very well. So, it is a good start to our French tour, allowing us to build nicely towards Saturday’s international at Châteauroux.”

Foote stressed the overall goal of the tour: “The whole purpose of this trip is to get our game clarity right, understanding how we want to play and connecting with each other.

“We also want to enjoy the touring experience in France and make new friends, and we would like to thank them for their hospitality.

“All-round, it’s just very good for our rugby, and we’re learning a lot. When it went to the live session, some guys showed they are ready to step up to this level. We want to make sure we get our fundamentals right.”

The South Africans are set to announce their team for the international against France Under-19 on Thursday.

The two South Africa U18 squads (SA U18 and SA U18 ‘A’) show extensive rotational changes for their second-round matches of the U18 International Series, which will take place at Boland Landbou near Wellington in the Western Cape.

The SA U18 ‘A’ team will face Georgia at 11.30am, and this will be followed by the SA U18 match against Ireland at 1.30pm, with England and France rounding off the day’s action at 3.30pm.

The SA U18 coach Lwazi Zangqa has made 11 changes to his team, stating that these changes align with their overall strategy to meet their objectives and provide every player with an opportunity to showcase their skills at international level.

Only four players from the starting line-up that comfortably beat France in the opening round have been retained to face Ireland. They are vice-captain AJ Meyer (lock), Gert Kemp (No 8), captain Markus Muller (outside centre) and Zekhethelo Siyaya (fullback).

Zangqa anticipates a tough challenge from the Irish side, who beat the SA U18 ‘A’ team in a close-fought match on Friday: “We are looking forward to the fixture against Ireland whom we believe will be a highly motivated and confident opponent on Tuesday afternoon.”

Meanwhile, SA U18 ‘A’ coach Flash Malinga has retained five players for their match against Georgia, saying that the rotational changes were part of the team's preparations, giving all players a chance to start at international level for their development.

The retained players in the SA U18 ‘A’ starting line-up from their close defeat to Ireland are vice-captain Migael Turner (lock), Liam Lightly (flanker), Quintin Potgieter (No 8), captain Jeandre Uithaler (flyhalf) and Ncutu Kepe (wing).

Malinga acknowledged Georgia's strong performance against England – they won 35-31 last Friday – and said they are expecting a hard and physical encounter. He added that the players have prepared to face this physicality while also looking to showcase their own style of play.

“We know what’s coming from Georgia,” said Malinga. “They are hard and physical, but we will be looking to showcase our own style as much as we prepare to match their physicality. We are looking forward to playing against a very good international side.”

 

This is how Day 2 of the U18 International Series will look 🔥

See you there 🫡#BuildingBoks pic.twitter.com/nHkP4j3dc6

— SA Junior Rugby (@SAJuniorRugby) August 11, 2025

 

All three games will be broadcast on the SuperSchools channels. Tickets are only R20 per person and are available at the gate or online from Quicket.

SA U18 v Ireland:

15 Zekhethelo Siyaya (Sharks)

14 Junaide Stuart (Bulls)

13 Markus Muller (captain, Western Province)

12 Christian Vorster (South Western Districts)

11 Lamla Mgedezi (Free State)

10 Ruben Groenewald (Bulls)

9 Jayden Brits (Western Province)

8 Gert Kemp (Western Province)

7 Wasi Vyambwera (Sharks)

6 Jacobus de Villiers (South Western Districts)

5 AJ Meyer (vice-captain, Free State)

4 Jayden Joubert (Western Province)

3 Matthew van der Merwe (Western Province)

2 Clinton Agu (Lions)

1 Jordan Jooste (Western Province)

Replacements

16 Altus Rabe (Western Province)

17.Kai Pratt (South Western Districts)

18 JG Badenhorst (Free State)

19 Lwandile Mlaba (Sharks)

20 Chinedu Amadi (Lions)

21 Joshua Neill (Western Province)

22 Morne Noble (Western Province)

23 Liyema Nela (Sharks)

24 Ethan Adams (Free State)

25 Jadrian Afrikaner (Sharks)

26 Thabiso Simelane (Bulls)

SA U18 ‘A’ v Georgia:

15 Ethan van Biljon (Western Province)

14 Junade Pasensie (Bulls)

13 Erin Nelson (Eastern Province)

12 Sbabalwe Magwebu (Border)

11 Ncutu Kepe (Border)

10 Jeandre Uithaler (captain, Lions)

9 Mickyle Booise (Western Province)

8 Quintin Potgieter (Western Province)

7 Liam Lightly (South Western Districts)

6 Briint Davids (Western Province)

5 Migael Turner (vice-captain, Western Province)

4 Lian Terblanche (Sharks)

3 Deon Botes (Bulls)

2 Thomas Muller (Western Province)

1 Pieta Cilliers (Western Province)

Replacements

16 Keenan Myners (South Western Districts)

17 Jeffrey Singo (Bulls)

18 Bernhard du Toit (Western Province)

19 Diaan Augustyn (South Western Districts)

20 Nhlanhla Ndlovu (Sharks)

21 Zirk Meyer (Bulls)

22 Lizwe Mthethwa (Sharks)

23 Nathan Aneke (Sharks)

24 Reinhart Viljoen (South Western Districts)

25 Jeneall Davids (Western Province)

U18 International Series fixtures at Boland Landbou – Tuesday, 12 August:

11.30am: SA U18 ‘A’ v Georgia

1.30pm: SA U18 v Ireland

3.30pm: England v France

Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote will get a glimpse of what the future holds when he and his coaching team work with the two SA Under-18 squads announced on Wednesday for next month’s U18 International Series in and around Paarl, in the Western Cape.

The annual series – featuring under-18 teams from England, France, Georgia, and Ireland – will take place over three match days at Paarl Boys’ High School, Boland Landbou, and Paarl Gimnasium on 8, 12, and 16 August.

The two squads consist of 52 players, most of whom featured in last week’s SA Schools match in Middelburg. Lwazi Zangqa (SA U18) and Flash Malinga (SA U18 ‘A’) will again serve as head coaches, under the guidance of Foote.

The SA U18 squad will play France, Ireland, and England in their three matches, while the U18 ‘A’ team will face Ireland, Georgia, and France.

Commenting on the selection of the squads, Dave Wessels, SA Rugby’s General Manager of High Performance, said it’s imperative for the governing body to create a healthy ecosystem within the junior structures to feed into the senior ranks.

“Our Elite Player Development pipeline has been running for more than a decade, and seeing the Junior Springboks win the world title – along with the quality of rugby at last week’s SA Schools match – is the reward for the hard work put in by everyone involved,” said Wessels.

“Seven players in the 2025 Junior Bok squad – Cheswill Jooste, Vusi Moyo, Riley Norton, Siphosethu Mnebelele, Phiwayinkosi Kubheka, Oliver Reid, and Alzeadon Felix – played in the U18 International Series last year.

“Furthermore, players such as Ethan Adams, Markus Muller, Zekhethelo Siyaya, Josh Neill, Junaide Stuart, Briint Davids, Jordan Jooste, and AJ Meyer are back for their second year in the U18 structures, which shows that the pipeline is working.

“Continuity among the junior ranks is crucial, as there are numerous new players every year. By involving Kevin and his fellow SA U20 coaches, we hope to strengthen that even further.

“The boys will be properly tested in their three games next month, as the visiting European teams are always strong. These opportunities are hugely beneficial to our players. We’re excited to see what they can do and are looking forward to another outstanding U18 International Series.”

 

Two SA U18 squads bursting with talented players have been locked in for the annual U18 International Series, which will be played in and around Paarl next month - more here: https://t.co/eLMxDksQN7 ✅ pic.twitter.com/60qJJRqChj

— SA Junior Rugby (@SAJuniorRugby) July 23, 2025

 

While the SA Schools squads were selected only from players at the FNB U18 Craven Week, the SA U18 squads may include players who have been part of SA Rugby’s EPD pipeline but who missed the annual tournament held recently in Middelburg. Injured players were not considered for these squads.

SOUTH AFRICA U18 SQUAD:

Props: JG Badenhorst (Cheetahs), Jordan Jooste (WP), Kai Pratt (SWD), Luan van der Berg (Bulls).

Hookers: Clinton Agu (Lions), Altus Rabie (WP).

Locks: AJ Meyer (Cheetahs), Lwandile Mlaba (Sharks), Jayden Joubert (WP).

Loose forwards: Chinedu Amadi (Lions), Jacobus de Villiers (SWD), Gert Kemp (WP), Josh Neill (WP), Wasi Vyambwera (Sharks).

Halfbacks: Jayden Brits (WP), Ruben Groenewald (Bulls), Liyema Nela (Sharks), Morne Noble (WP).

Centres: Ethan Adams (Cheetahs), Markus Muller (WP), Christian Vorster (SWD).

Outside backs: Jadriaan Afrikaner (Sharks), Lamla Mgedezi (Cheetahs), Thabiso Simelane (Bulls), Zekhethelo Siyaya (Sharks), Junaide Stuart (Bulls).

SOUTH AFRICA U18 'A' SQUAD:

Props: Bernhard du Toit (WP), Pieta Cilliers (WP), Jeffrey Singo (Bulls), Matthew van der Merwe (WP).

Hookers: Thomas Muller (WP), Keenan Myners (SWD).

Locks: Diaan Augustyn (SWD), Juvan Burden (WP), Lian Terblanche (Sharks), Migael Turner (WP).

Loose forwards: Briint Davids (WP), Andile Ndlovu (Sharks), Quintin Potgieter (WP), Franko Rossouw (Pumas).

Halfbacks: Mickyle Booise (WP), Zirk Meyer (Bulls), Jeandre Uithaler (Lions), Ethan van Biljon (WP).

Centres: Nathan Aneke (Sharks), Randall-John Davids (WP), Lizwe Mthethwa (Sharks), Erin Nelson (EP).

Outside backs: Jeneall Davids (WP), Ncuthu Kepe (Border), Junade Pasensie (Bulls), Reinhart Viljoen (SWD).

U18 INTERNATIONAL SERIES FIXTURES:

All matches to be streamed live by SuperSport Schools

Friday, 8 August 2025 at Paarl Boys’ High School

11:30am: SA U18 ‘A’ v Ireland

13:30pm: Georgia v England

3:30pm: SA U18 v France

Tuesday, 12 August 2025 at Boland Landbou

11:30am: SA U18 ‘A’ v Georgia

1:30pm: SA U18 v Ireland

3:30pm: England v France

Saturday, 16 August 2025 at Paarl Gimnasium

11:30am: France v SA U18 ‘A’

1:30pm: Ireland v Georgia

3:30pm: SA U18 v England

SA U18 Management:

Head Coach: Lwazi Zangqa (Border)

Assistant Coach: Cobus van Dyk (Blue Bulls)

Team Manager: Dean Moodley (Sharks)

Physiotherapist: Robin Williams (Sharks)

Conditioning Coach: Yaw Fosu-Amoah (Eastern Province)

Team Doctor: Dr Gershwin Kortje (Boland)

SA U18 ‘A’ Management:

Head Coach: Flash Malinga (Sharks)

Assistant Coach: Clinton van Rensburg (Western Province)

Team Manager: Mandla Madaka (Blue Bulls)

Physiotherapist: Rob Sims (Western Province)

Conditioning Coach: Adriaan Jansen (SWD)

Team Doctor: Dr Gershwin Kortje (Boland)

The Junior Springboks were welcomed back to South Africa on Monday by cheering fans and Mr Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union, after winning the World Rugby Under-20 Championships in Italy on Saturday.

The SA Under-20s, under the leadership of head coach Kevin Foot, ended a 13-year wait to reclaim the global Under-20 crown with a 23-15 victory over the Junior All Blacks in the summer heat of Rovigo.

“This is a very proud day for rugby in South Africa, and I would like to congratulate Kevin and the team on an outstanding performance in the tournament,” said Mr Alexander.

“The group have been welded into a formidable unit over the course of this year and many of them have the potential to go on to higher honours, I am sure.

“Their victory is a tribute to all the hard work done at high school level by educators and coaches, and at our provincial unions from whom these players are drawn.

“Appointing a head coach in Kevin, who has franchise experience, was also an important part of the progress this group have shown, and I would like to commend him, his backroom team, and the High Performance Department at SA Rugby for what they have achieved in such a short space of time.

“I’d also like to thank our sponsors who have come on board to partner the Junior Boks and with whom we are delighted to share in their success.”

The Junior Boks last won the title in 2012 with a home victory over the same opponents in Cape Town, but had had a long wait for a repeat success having not appeared in another final since 2014.

This time the team showed great composure in cruising to the final with commanding victories over Australia (73-12), England (32-22) and Scotland (73-14) in the pool stages, and Argentina (48-24) in the semifinal.

They led in the final from the third minute and tries by Xola Nyali and Gilermo Mentoe, as well as 13 points from the boot of Vusi Moyo, secured a famous victory.

Moyo finished the tournament as the top points’ scorer with 63, while Haashim Pead scored six tries, placing him second for the most five-pointers behind Georgia’s Mikheili Shioshvili (7).

The Junior Springboks are set to face New Zealand in the final of the World Rugby U20 Championship on Saturday evening in Rovigo, in what promises to be a thrilling encounter between the two traditional rugby rivals, with the team leaders reckoning that the competitive South African school environment has prepared them well for the big occasion.

Speaking from their Italian base of Valpolicella before of the much-anticipated clash, Junior Boks head coach Kevin Foote, captain Riley Norton, and vice-captain Haashim Pead shared their thoughts on the big occasion, the team’s preparation, and the significance of the match.

For Norton and Pead, the journey to the final has been shaped by their experiences playing rugby at school level in South Africa – a fiercely competitive environment that has prepared them well for the global stage.

Jaco Williams out on the wing ⚡️

The Junior Bok flyer has four tries so far and will look to continue his form in Saturday's final.

📺 South Africa vs New Zealand | Kick-off at 20:20 #SSRugby | #WorldRugbyU20s pic.twitter.com/sLbuvOZM8a

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) July 18, 2025

“It prepared us very well for a tournament like this,” said Norton, who captained Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch last year.

“We’re used to big games at school, and we’ve always enjoyed them. Playing in front of huge, passionate crowds back home has definitely helped us handle the pressure.”

Pead, who attended Bishops in Cape Town, echoed the sentiment: “It’s great to be part of a game of this magnitude, but it doesn’t mean we need to change our preparation or approach. We’ll stick to our routine, trust our processes, and enjoy the occasion.”

The Junior Boks have impressed throughout the tournament, with their semifinal victory over Argentina showcasing both attacking flair and defensive grit.

Speaking to international media ahead of the big game, Foote praised the team’s execution and resilience in their semifinal.

Haashim Pead in the spotlight 🌟

The Junior Boks scrumhalf has been incredible on the road to Saturday's final 🏆

📺 South Africa vs New Zealand | Kick-off at 20:20 #SSRugby | #WorldRugbyU20s pic.twitter.com/2AQx2Kh82I

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) July 17, 2025

“Our strike plays were outstanding, and the defence was gutsy,” said Foote.

“New Zealand back their attack and they’ve grown in confidence as the tournament has progressed. Like us, they’re passionate and composed – it’s going to be a great game.”

Norton emphasised the team’s belief and unity heading into the final: “We’ve spoken a lot about backing ourselves. Pressure is always going to be there – it’s been there throughout the tournament.

“But our confidence comes from our preparation. We haven’t played in a final for 11 years, so this is a special moment. Each player truly cares for the team. It’s less about pressure and more about excitement,” said Norton.

Pead – the tournament’s leading try scorer with six, plus a handful of try-assists – also credited the coaching staff for giving the backs the freedom to express themselves.

“Our tries have been a result of the platform laid by the coaches,” said Pead. “They’ve prepared us so well and given us the freedom to showcase our skills.”

One of the team’s standout performers has been Vusi Moyo, whose long-range kicking and composure has allowed the Junior Boks to gain valuable territory.

According to Foote, Moyo has had an unbelievable tournament. The SA U20 flyhalf has scored 50 points in the four games he has played to date, the most by any player of the 12 participating teams.

“Vusi puts a lot into his training and has learnt a lot during his time playing next to from Haashim, who’s more experienced and played here last year,” said Foote. “We saw what he did against England – kicking from over 50 metres. He’ll take a lot of confidence into the final.”

Pead, Norton and Moyo are part of the unchanged Junior Springbok line-up to face New Zealand in the Final which starts at 20h30 in Rovigo, with the big game to be broadcast live on SuperSport Rugby.

SA Schools outplayed their SA Schools ‘A’ counterparts 49-14 at Hoërskool Middelburg in Mpumalanga on Thursday afternoon, scoring seven tries in a victory that proved the selectors got their combinations right following the FNB U18 Craven Week at the same venue last week.

The SA Schools side looked very comfortable, especially in the first half, where they dominated play and had a deserved 28-0 lead at the break, scoring four good tries.

In the second half, the ‘A’-side rallied to get back in the game, scoring two tries of their own, while the winning team dotted down three more times.

The SA Schools side may have beaten the 'A' team in Middelburg, but the week was about learning, becoming better rugby players and making friends for life - more here: https://t.co/TcTDfcXQFl 💚💛#WhereHeroesAreMade pic.twitter.com/DHDwxRRNHE

— SA Junior Rugby (@SAJuniorRugby) July 17, 2025

The SA Schools started like a house on fire with wing Jadrian Afrikaner scoring the opener two minutes in, following a good attack down the left.

Flyhalf Liyema Nela kicked the conversion.

The team in green dominated the opening quarter and had all the play in that time.

They crossed the ‘A’-side's line twice, only to be denied due to earlier infringements.

CROWD ON THEIR FEET

The wall was clearly cracking early, with the SA Schools having the upper hand at scrum time and their backs running at pace.

Three consecutive scrum penalties near their opponents’ line yielded no result though, with over-eagerness and lack of cohesion costing them dearly.

Credit to the SA ‘A’ side, who had to defend for all of 14 minutes before they could work their way into the SA Schools’ half for the first time in the match.

A spectacular try by SA Schools fullback Zekhethelo Siyaya extended the score and had the good crowd on their feet.

The ‘A’-side attacked strongly but lost the ball in their opponents’ red zone. It was worked back with quick hands and Siyaya set off on a run 60m out.

It ended under the sticks for the SA Schools side, finished by the fullback with a swallow dive, leaving in his wake numerous defenders beaten by either a step or a dummy.

Nela converted for a 14-0 lead halfway through the half.

Altus Rabe was the next on the scoresheet for the SA Schools side after a lineout drive that finally worked, a clear indication that their combinations were starting to find each under as the game progressed.

The hooker dotted down at the back of a strong maul. Nela kicked a beaut from the sideline and the score was 21-0 after 28 minutes.

On the buzzer SA Schools scored again, this time from a smooth backline move from a 5m-scrum.

Siyaya ran onto a beautiful drift pass that got him outside of his defender and he dotted down under the posts to give Nela an easy fourth conversion.

RALLIED STRONGLY

The second half saw changes of Bomb Squad dimensions from both teams as coaches gave everyone a run.

One man that was not replaced was Siyaya and he was spot on again four minutes in, although his third try had some element of luck.

The backs moved the ball well down the line, the fullback jumped into the line and when his grubber was blocked, it bounced back into his hands with no one in front of him.

Replacement flyhalf Ruben Groenewald converted and the lead jumped to 35-0.

SA ‘A’ then rallied strongly and was held up over the line 52 minutes in after a good lineout drive, and referee Excellent Mnkomo, who delivered a polished performance, got the call spot-on as the reply showed.

Two minutes later the ‘A’-side again was held up, but their pressure told as hooker Thomas Muller scored at the back of his pack's good drive.

Replacement scrumhalf Ethan van Biljon converted, and they were finally on the board after 58 minutes.

The SA Schools replied in kind with a maul try of their one, with replacement hooker Clinton Agu scoring.

Groenewald converted for a 42-7 lead.

They scored next again, this time following a number of strong pick-and-go's with Gert Kemp (flanker) crashing over, Groenewald extended the lead to 49-7 before SA ‘A’ replacement flanker Pieter Cilliers barged over from close range, following several good drives by his pack.

SCORERS:

SA Schools 49 (28) – Tries: Zekhethelo Siyaya (3), Altus Rabe, Jadrian Afrikaner, Clinton Agu, Gert Kemp. Conversions: Liyema Nela (4), Ruben Groenewald (2).

SA Schools ‘A’ 14 (0) – Tries: Thomas Muller, Pieter Cilliers. Conversions: Ethan van Biljon (2).

After making a few rotational changes for their last Pool A match against Scotland, which the SA Under-20s won by 73-14 in Calvisano, Foote has selected mainly the same combination that defeated Australia and England in their first two group games.

For Monday’s important knockout match with Los Pumitas, Demitre Erasmus is back at outside centre after missing the England clash due to illness and coming off the bench against Scotland.

Jaco Williams is retained at left wing for his second start in a row since replacing Siya Ndlozi, who returned home with a hamstring injury sustained against England.

The Junior Bok pack remains the same as the combination that faced Australia and England, with Norton leading a starting team that have impressed with their physicality and ability to create plenty of scoring opportunities with their speedy outside backs.

However, Foote has opted for six forwards and two backs on the bench for the semifinal in a bid to use their explosive forwards and attack the Argentina pack, with No 8 Stephanus Linde now the extra forward among the replacements.

Foote said it was a tough task to select the team to face Argentina: “It was so difficult to leave out anybody because the players did so well against Scotland. My message to those who weren’t selected for the match-23 is to help us prepare the starting team as best as we can.”

According to Foote, Argentina’s forward prowess will be a huge test for the SA Under-20s, which is one of the reasons why he has decided to go with a six-two split on the bench.

“The Argentineans are very confrontational and physical, and they play with lots of passion,” he said. “We know we are in for a fight which is why we went for six forwards on the bench, because we have so much respect for them.”

The SA Under-20s are one of three southern hemisphere teams in the world championship semifinals, alongside Argentina and New Zealand, who face France in their playoff at 6pm.

The Junior Boks’ match will kick off at 8:30pm and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

TEAM TO FACE ARGENTINA IN VIADANA:

15 Gilermo Mentoe

14 Cheswill Jooste

13 Demitre Erasmus

12 Albie Bester

11 Jaco Williams

10 Vusi Moyo

9 Haashim Pead

8 Wandile Mlaba

7 Bathobele Hlekani

6 Xola Nyali

5 JJ Theron

4 Riley Norton (captain)

3 Herman Lubbe

2 Siphosethu Mnebelele

1 Simphiwe Ngobese

Replacements:

16 Jaundré Schoeman

17 Oliver Reid

18 Jean Erasmus

19 Jaco Grobbelaar

20 Matt Romao

21 Ceano Everson

22 Dominic Malgas

23 Stephanus Linde

South Western Districts and the DHL Western Province XV extended their winning records on the third day of the FNB U18 Craven Week at Hoërskool Middelburg on Wednesday.

SWD and DHL WP XV recorded their second wins of the competition, while Free State and the Limpopo Blue Bulls got off the mark, following their respective defeats on day one.

After edging Free State 35-34 in their first fixture of the tournament, SWD dominated the clash against the Obaro Golden Lions on Wednesday, scoring eight tries in a resounding 54-22 victory.

Christiaan Vorster and Jacobus de Villiers scored two tries apiece for the Eagles.

Earlier in the day, Limpopo completed an incredible comeback against the Griffons, after trailing 19-0 in the first quarter.

Hooker Ziahn Lombaard scored a hat-trick while fullback Ryno Mienie slotted seven conversions to steer their team to an unlikely 49-44 victory.

Fresh off their 52-6 win over the Griffons, the WP XV racked up a further 45 points and seven tries against the Hollywood Foundation Pumas, with lock Gershom Pieters and replacement forward Caleb Koeberg grabbing a brace apiece.

Free State bounced back from a first-round loss to SWD, scoring seven tries in a 52-33 victory against the Blue Bulls.

Fullback Lamla Mgedezi and No 13 Ethan Adams starred for the winners, scoring three and two tries respectively, while centre Thabiso Simelane claimed a hat-trick for the losing side.

The tournament will continue at Hoërskool Middelburg on Thursday, with Sanlam Boland facing the Valke at 10am, and Western Province tackling the Sharks High Schools side later in the day.

FNB U18 CRAVEN WEEK DAY 3 RESULTS (Wednesday, 9 July):

Limpopo Blue Bulls 49 (21) Griffons 44 (31)

DHL Western Province XV 45 (33) Hollywood Foundation Pumas 14 (7)

Free State 52 (27) Blue Bulls 33 (19)

Obaro Golden Lions 22 (7) SWD 54 (26)

FNB U18 CRAVEN WEEK DAY 4 FIXTURES (Thursday, 10 July):

10am: Sanlam Boland v Valke

11:30am: Suzuki Griquas v Leopards

1pm: Border v Eastern Province

2:30pm: DHL Western Province v Sharks High Schools

Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote credited his players for their composure and character after they recorded their second pool victory at the World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy with a great win over England in Rovigo on Friday evening.

Despite a slow start, the SA U20s remained calm and delivered the knockout blow in a superb opening 10 minutes of the second half, followed by a commanding defensive performance, to beat the defending champions by 32-22.

England led 14-0 after 12 minutes but the Junior Boks clawed their way back and at 22-19 behind at the break, they were in the contest.

Thirteen unanswered points early in the second half – including a penalty goal of almost 60m by Vusi Moyo and a bonus point try by Haashim Pead for his second brace of the tournament – put the Junior Boks in the pound seats and they repelled England’s constant attacks thereafter for a great win.

Simply superb by the #JuniorBoks as they beat defending champions England with a bonus point in Rovigo - more here: https://t.co/TrnuOhvzMU 💪 #JourneyToGreatness #WorldRugbyU20s pic.twitter.com/9qXm46wqTF

— SA Junior Rugby (@SAJuniorRugby) July 4, 2025

With a full-house of 10 log points from their two victories, a spot in the semifinals is within reach, but Foote said they are still building and are only looking at the next match, against Scotland on Wednesday.

“We’ll take a lot of confidence from this victory, but Scotland are a good side, they ran England close in the Six Nations, and we certainly will not underestimate any team ever – we’ll keep our feet on the ground and focus on the next job,” said Foote.

“Having said that, I thought the boys showed massive character tonight to come back from 14-0 down, take the lead with some great attacking play, and then keep England out for the rest of the match.

“I have to applaud the leadership in our team as well – the players never panicked and those two penalty goals by Vusi early in the second half gave us momentum, after which I was super proud of our defence at the end.”

BRAVERY ON DEFENCE

Foote said they realise they have to play for the full 80 minutes, and that they are getting closer to that.

“We were a bit slow at the breakdowns early in the game, where we turned over ball that gave England momentum and fatigued us,” said Foote.

“But as a team we spoke about getting better the harder the game gets. We remained calm and stuck to getting the next job done, staying with our processes and keeping the scoreboard ticking over.

“I also think our combinations are starting to click on defence, something we identified as an area to work on earlier in the season, and the way in which the guys defended at the end was huge.

“The players deserve credit for their bravery on defence and executing on the field – they showed great character, which is testament to the culture and belief in this team.”

What it means 🇿🇦#JuniorBoks #JourneyToGreatness #WorldRugbyU20s pic.twitter.com/nytYq84XuG

— SA Junior Rugby (@SAJuniorRugby) July 4, 2025

SA U20 captain Riley Norton gave England credit for their strong start and said they knew it was going to be a great battle against the defending champions.

“We knew it was going to be tough, but I’m very proud of our defence at the end, as it’s something we pride ourselves on as South Africans,” said Norton.

“We’re out here giving everything for our country and we’re all very proud of the win, but we’re still building, and we’ll take massive confidence from this game.

“To be honest, it’s not quite sunk in yet. We will celebrate tonight, but tomorrow we go again – it’s five days until we face Scotland and we have the bigger picture in mind, so we’re very excited for the next three games.”

Reaction from the #JuniorBoks in Rovigo: “We’re very proud of the win and we’ll take massive confidence from this game, but we’re still building” - more here: https://t.co/naJoVaqoAV 🗣#JourneyToGreatness #WorldRugbyU20s pic.twitter.com/GIrgxPkF5n

— SA Junior Rugby (@SAJuniorRugby) July 4, 2025

The Junior Boks’ final Pool A game against Scotland kicks off at 3:30pm in Calvisano, after which the three pool winners and the best-placed team in second position will qualify for the semifinals, on Monday 14 July.

Western Province extended their winning run while the Blue Bulls and Sharks battled to a thrilling draw in the second round of the FNB U16 Grant Khomo Week in Pretoria on Wednesday.

The second day of the tournament delivered its fair share of drama, with the Limpopo Bulls, Golden Lions, Namibia, Griffons, Leopards, WP XV, Griquas, Eastern Province and WP claiming victories at St Alban’s College.

The Griffons, Griquas and both WP teams extended their winning runs, while the hosts and the Sharks drew 29-29.

The WP XV fired late against Free State to secure an emphatic 37-18 win, with fullback Dante Davids scoring two tries and flyhalf Divan Meyer – the tournament’s leading point-scorer (32) – kicking four conversions and three penalty goals.

The clash between the Bulls and Sharks lived up to the hype, with Sharks wing Lisa Sijadu scoring two late tries to ensure that his side came away with a draw.

If not for a couple of missed conversions, the KwaZulu-Natalians would have recorded their second win of the tournament.

After scoring 55 points against Free State in their opening fixture, WP were made to fight for a 29-21 win over SWD on day two.

Meanwhile, the Lions bounced back from a first round loss to claim an impressive 43-0 win over Boland, with flyhalf Ndzalama Mbhalati kicking four conversions to extend his tournament tally to 23 points.

The Griffons recorded their second win when they beat Border 38-17, while Griquas rallied to beat Zimbabwe 40-25.

The final round of the FNB U16 Grant Khomo Week will be staged at St Alban’s College in Pretoria on Friday, 4 July.

FNB U16 GRANT KHOMO WEEK DAY 2 RESULTS (Wednesday 2 July):

Limpopo Blue Bulls 60 (36) Border Country Districts 0 (0)

Golden Lions 43 (17) Boland 0 (0)

Namibia 43 (29) Iqhawe XV 26 (7)

Border 17 (5) Griffons 38 (30)

Leopards 39 (25) Valke 15 (15)

WP XV 37 (10) Free State 18 (15)

Zimbabwe 25 (15) Griquas 40 (14)

Sharks 29 (12) Blue Bulls 29 (15)

Pumas 15 (10) EP 27 (24)

WP 29 (14) SWD 21 (7)

The Junior Springbok starting fifteen to face England in their crucial World Rugby U20 Championship pool match in Rovigo on Friday show just one change from the side that defeated Australia last Sunday in Italy, with Gino Cupido replacing Demitre Erasmus, who is suffering from illness, at centre.

SA U20 head coach Kevin Foote has also made two tactical tweaks on the bench, with Ceano Everson (scrumhalf) and Dominic Malgas (utility) now among the replacements, in place of Erich Visser and Ian van der Merwe.

The rest of the players who gave such a commanding performance in Calvisano are retained for what promises to be another classic battle between the U20 teams of South Africa and England, who won the tournament last year after beating France in the final in Cape Town.

With lock Riley Norton again leading the side, Foote said there is a lot of excitement building for Friday’s important clash.

“There is a huge amount of excitement around Friday and the magnitude of this match,” said Foote.

“We know how important this is, playing against the defending champions. It’s an honour to be involved in such a game and a real challenge for us this week. We can’t wait for it.

“With Demitre suffering from a bit of heat stroke, we brought in Gino at outside centre, while Ceano and Dominic cover scrumhalf, centre and flyhalf on the bench.

“Demitre, Erich and Ian all played well against Australia, but we are going with a combination that we feel is well suited for us against England.”

In the aftermath of the Junior Boks’ resounding win over the young Wallabies, the South Africans emphasised the need to keep their feet firmly on the ground, especially with a huge challenge such as England looming next.

“We are very proud of the guys in terms of how focused and humble they’re staying after the victory over Australia, and just how hungry they are for the next challenge against England,” said Foote.

The Friday evening pool match, which kicks off at 18h00, will be broadcast live on SuperSport Rugby.

Junior Springbok team to face England in Rovigo:

15 Gilermo Mentoe

14 Cheswill Jooste

13 Gino Cupido

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 (captain)

3 Herman Lubbe

2 Siphosethu Mnebelele

1 Simphiwe Ngobese

Replacements:

16 Jaundré Schoeman

17 Oliver Reid

18 Jean Erasmus

19 Jaco Grobbelaar

20 Matt Romao

21 Ceano Everson

22 Dominic Malgas

23 Jaco Williams

The Junior Springbok starting team to take on Australia in the World Rugby U20 Championship on Sunday shows four changes from their last match in the recent U20 Rugby Championship against New Zealand.

Four changes to the #JuniorBoks team to take on Australia in their #WorldRugbyU20s opener on Sunday - more here: https://t.co/I3BwjYemYM 🇿🇦#JourneyToGreatness pic.twitter.com/XnsljISAr9

— SA Junior Rugby (@SAJuniorRugby) June 27, 2025

The SA U20 side for the match, which kicks off at 3:30pm on Sunday afternoon at the San Michele Stadium in Calvisano, Italy, was named on Friday.

Junior Bok head coach Kevin Foote made one change in the backline and three in the pack from the side that were pipped by New Zealand in Gqeberha last month. Siya Ndlozi replaces Gino Cupido on the left wing, while the rest of the backline remain the same.

In the starting pack, two changes are made at the side of the scrum, with flankers Batho Hlekani and Xola Nyali forming the loose trio combination with No 8 Wandile Mlaba.

The other tweak to the pack is in the front row, where Herman Lubbe gets the nod at tighthead ahead of Jean Erasmus, who is now set to play off the bench.

Jaco Grobbelaar (lock), who joined up with the squad shortly before they flew out from Cape Town, is also set to join the action off the bench.

Among the backline replacements, Ian van der Merwe (flyhalf) and Jaco Williams (outside back) are in line to make their Junior Bok debuts should they come off the bench.

'SYNERGY AND UNDERSTANDING OF GAME'

According to Foote, his charges are looking forward to the prospect of facing a quality Australia outfit in the opening match on Sunday.

The last time these two sides met, in the U20 Rugby Championship, the young Wallabies overturned a 17-point deficit in a tactically astute second-half performance to beat the Junior Boks by 29-24 in Gqeberha.

“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.”

On selecting his first matchday squad of the tournament, Foote explained that it was not an easy task.

“Selection is always tough and leaving some guys out is hard, 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,” he said.

“We are very excited about the team that we have selected, with Riley Norton captaining the side, and he will be assisted by Haashim Pead, JJ Theron and Siphosethu Mnebelele.”

Foote also mentioned it was good to have Grobbelaar back with the team after the big lock completed his Vodacom United Rugby Championship duties with finalists Vodacom Bulls.

“He’s trained very well since joining (last week),” he said. “Having his big physical presence is fundamental to the way we want to play, and the same goes for Jaco Williams (outside back), who also joined late after completing his Vodacom URC campaign with the Hollywoodbets Sharks. The nice thing about them is the calmness that they bring in their roles.”

With defending champions England and the tenacious Scotland also in the same group, Foote said the South Africans are looking forward to getting the annual event under way.

“All of us are looking forward to starting the tournament,” he said. “We are excited about the challenge from Australia, and we cannot wait to get going.”

Rugby’s future stars will play matches across four cities in the Lombardia and Veneto regions of Italy – Calvisano, Rovigo, Verona, and Viadana.

The tournament consists of three pools, each with four teams. After the three pool matches, the three pool winners and the best runner-up out of the three pools will progress to the semifinals.

The winners of the semifinals will contest the final, while the losers of those semifinals will play for third place, with the others vying for positional places.

The Junior Springbok team to face Australia in Calvisano:

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 (captain)

3 Herman Lubbe

2 Siphosethu Mnebelele

1 Simphiwe Ngobese

Replacements:

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

A rejuvenated Junior Springbok squad filled with excitement are ready for take-off for Italy where the 2025 edition of the World Rugby Under-20 Championship kicks off on Sunday.

The South Africans will launch their campaign against Australia, with pool matches against England and Scotland to follow.

The squad had their traditional capping ceremony last Friday evening in Cape Town and wrapped up their preparations in Stellenbosch on Monday afternoon. On Tuesday, they will depart to their tournament base in Verona, where they will fine-tune preparations ahead of the competition.

Junior Bok captain Riley Norton (lock) and fellow forwards Siphosethu Mnebelele (hooker) and JJ Theron (lock) shared their thoughts on the team’s readiness and the challenges that await in Italy.

Norton, who matriculated from Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch last year, expressed immense pride in representing South Africa.

“We’ve worked incredibly hard to be here, and all of us are just so proud to be representing this team and our country,” said Norton.

“The coaches and staff have done an amazing job in preparing us for this tournament, and now it's up to the players to go out and do the best that they're capable of.

“The brotherhood and togetherness are big focuses for us, and we all have that desire to be the best player that we can be, in the service of our country and for the Junior Springbok team. The challenge to face the best teams at our age group level is enormously exciting to all of us as players.”

Mnebelele, the SA U18 captain last year who attended King Edward VII School in Johannesburg, highlighted the importance of their recent experience in the U20 Rugby Championship: “The intensity will be quite different than what we're used to, and that is why we are so grateful that we played in the Rugby Championship. Playing against Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand prepared us well for the challenges ahead.”

He described Springbok Damian Willemse's motivational talk at the capping ceremony as truly inspiring: “He told us to be ourselves, play to the best of our abilities, and fight for each other, our team, and the country.”

Regarding the tournament format, Theron – SA Schools captain in 2023 who went to Grey College in Bloemfontein – added: “It is a very demanding tournament with a five-day turnaround (between matches), but as South Africans, we always embrace a challenge.

“Australia, England, and Scotland – each game will be an enormous test, but we don't look too far ahead. Our aim is to always stay in the moment and do the job at hand, what is necessary.

“We pride ourselves on our physicality, and that’s what we aim to display when we take the field, to play to our strengths. We are all enormously proud to be selected for the Junior Boks, and we are excited about the tournament and the opportunity to play for our country.”

The team will travel to Italy on Tuesday and will have their first session on Italian soil on Wednesday afternoon after settling into their base in Verona.

Junior Springbok squad for the 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy:

Props: Jean Erasmus (Vodacom Bulls), Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Herman Lubbe (DHL Western Province), Simphiwe Ngobese (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Oliver Reid (DHL Western Province).

Hookers: Siphosethu Mnebelele (Vodacom Bulls), Jaundré Schoeman (Vodacom Bulls).

Locks: Jaco Grobbelaar (Vodacom Bulls), Riley Norton (captain, DHL Western Province), JJ Theron (Vodacom Bulls), Morné Venter (Fidelity ADT Lions).

Loose forwards: Thando Biyela (Fidelity ADT Lions), Bathobele Hlekani (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Wandile Mlaba (DHL Western Province), Xola Nyali (DHL Western Province), Matt Romao (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Stephanus Linde (Toyota Cheetahs).

Scrumhalves: Ceano Everson (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Haashim Pead (Fidelity ADT Lions), Erich Visser (Toyota Cheetahs).

Flyhalves: Vusi Moyo (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Ian van der Merwe (Vodacom Bulls).

Centres: Albie Bester (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Gino Cupido (DHL Western Province), Demitre Erasmus (Vodacom Bulls), Dominic Malgas (DHL Western Province).

Outside backs: Cheswill Jooste (Vodacom Bulls), Gilermo Mentoe (Fidelity ADT Lions), Siya Ndlozi (DHL Western Province), Jaco Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks).

South Africa’s Pool A fixtures:

Sunday, 29 June: Junior Boks v Australia U20 – Stadio San Michele (Calvisano)

Friday, 4 July: Junior Boks v England U20 – Stadio Mario Battaglini (Rovigo)

Wednesday, 9 July: Junior Boks v Scotland U20 - June Stadio San Michele (Calvisano)

Playoffs:

Monday, 14 July: Semifinals (Verona and Viadana)

Saturday, 19 July: Final and ranking matches (Calvisano and Rovigo)

Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote has included three new players in a training squad for the SA U20s’ final preparation camp which starts in Stellenbosch on Monday in the build-up towards the World Rugby Under-20 Championship next month in Italy.

Foote has welcomed back a number of familiar faces who are back from injury and Vodacom United Rugby Championship duty in addition to three newcomers in Rambo Kubheka (loosehead prop), Shaun Schürman (hooker) and Ian van der Merwe (flyhalf).

Returning to the squad are locks Jaco Grobbelaar and Arno van der Merwe, No 8 Stephanus Linde, and outside backs Jaco Williams and Alzeadon Felix.

“Rambo, who played for the SA U18s last year, has been doing very well for Hollywoodbets Sharks in the SA Rugby U21 Cup, while Shaun and Ian, a very good game driver and left-footed kicker, have also been in good form for the Vodacom Bulls U21s,” said Foote.

“Jaco Grobbelaar, who played for the Junior Boks last year, is back from his Vodacom URC duty with the Vodacom Bulls and will join us in week two, and Stephanus, who toured with us to Georgia earlier this year, returns after he picked up a knee injury in the FNB Varsity Cup.

“It’s also good to welcome back from injury Jaco Williams, who has been training with the Hollywoodbets Sharks’ Vodacom URC team, Alzeadon Felix, who had a good Varsity Cup campaign, and Arno van der Merwe.”

Foote also revealed that HB Odendaal (hooker), Neil Hansen (lock), Divan Fuller (flanker), and Matt Romao (flanker) have been ruled out due to injury, while JC Mars (fullback) will join the squad as soon as he has shrugged off a hamstring niggle.

THREE WEEKS OF TRAINING

The Junior Boks will train for the next three weeks before the 30-man squad fly out to Italy on 24 June for the annual World Rugby U20 Championship. Two training sessions against a visiting senior Kenyan side form part of the schedule as the squad step up their readiness for Italy.

According to Foote, the meetings with Kenya will be match simulation exercises, with the first set for 9 June and the second one five days later on 14 June, both in Stellenbosch.

“We’re a very settled team now, with some guys coming back from injury and unfortunately some players being injured while on duty for their provinces in the SA Rugby U21 Cup,” said Foote.

“We’ve kept the core of the squad together for a long time now; they’re a great team off the field and have a good connection, which we think is very important for us going into the World Championship, also understanding how we want to play and our game model.

“There has been a lot of work done over the last few camps, including the tour to Georgia and the U20 Rugby Championship. Although we didn’t get the results against Australia and New Zealand in Gqeberha, we’ve taken a lot of good learnings from those experiences, and we feel we are very close to where we want to be.

“We still have a couple of things to work on, and we will work very hard indeed to make sure we are prepared and ready when we leave for Italy.”

Foote said he and his coaching staff are looking forward to working with the squad and see the Kenya meetings as a key part of the preparations: “We will work with a 37-player squad until after the two sessions against Kenya. Following that, we will be working with the selected 30-man squad in the last week of the training camp before our departure to Italy on 24 June.

JUNIOR SPRINGBOK TRAINING SQUAD:

Props: Simphiwe Ngobese (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Ranon Fouché (Vodacom Bulls), Oliver Reid (DHL Western Province), Kubheka (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jean Erasmus (Vodacom Bulls), Tebogo Nkosi (Toyota Cheetahs), Herman Lubbe (DHL Western Province).

Hookers: Juandré Schoeman (Vodacom Bulls), Siphosethu Mnebelele (Vodacom Bulls), Shaun Schürmann (Vodacom Bulls).

Locks: Jaco Grobbelaar (Vodacom Bulls), Riley Norton (DHL Western Province), Arno van der Merwe (Toyota Cheetahs), Morné Venter (Fidelity ADT Lions), JJ Theron (Vodacom Bulls), Zuko Phoswa (DHL Western Province).

Loose forwards: Xola Nyali (DHL Western Province), Thando Biyela (Fidelity ADT Lions), Batho Hlekani (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Stephanus Linde (Toyota Cheetahs), Wandile Mlaba (DHL Western Province).

Scrumhalves: Haashim Pead (Fidelity ADT Lions), Ceano Everson (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Erich Visser (Toyota Cheetahs).

Flyhalves: Vusi Moyo (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Ian van der Merwe (Vodacom Bulls).

Centres: Albie Bester (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Demitre Erasmus (Vodacom Bulls), Gino Cupido (DHL Western Province).

Outside backs: Jaco Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Siya Ndlozi (DHL Western Province), Cheswill Jooste (Vodacom Bulls), Gilermo Mentoe (Fidelity ADT Lions), Alzeadon Felix (Fidelity ADT Lions), Scott Nel (Hollywoodbets Sharks).

Utility back: Dominic Malgas (DHL Western Province).

 

© SA Rugby

The Junior Springboks fell short in their bid to capture the Under-20 Rugby Championship when they lost to New Zealand in Gqeberha on Sunday, but SA U20 head coach Kevin Foote said the players can take huge positives from their courageous effort against the young Kiwis.

New Zealand held on to beat the Junior Springboks 48-45 in front of close to 15 000 spectators at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium to retain the title in dramatic fashion, after South Africa led 26-24 at the break.

A high-scoring clash at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium as the #JuniorBoks come up just short - match report: https://t.co/RuKHmdtxM8 🏉#TRCU20 #JourneyToGreatness pic.twitter.com/4BasxvJKqK

— SA Junior Rugby (@SAJuniorRugby) May 11, 2025

Speaking to the media afterwards, Foote said his players can be proud of their effort, although they just fell short in a brilliant, high-scoring, and hugely entertaining match.

“There are a lot of positives to take from that performance; we are on a massive journey together and I’ve only met Riley Norton and the guys back in November, so we are definitely working hard on our game model and principles which everyone understands now,” said Foote.

“From a character and leadership perspective, we are in in a good place, and the lessons we learnt will be of huge benefit as we approach the World Rugby U20 Championship next month in Italy.”

The South Africans played their part in a breathtaking attacking game, which delivered more than 90 points and went down to the wire, with New Zealand under huge pressure and playing with 13 men at the end.

“I think Melusi (Mthethwa, the team’s backline coach) has done a great job in terms of our attack and I really feel that the players have clarity on how we want to play,” said Foote.

“We played some exciting and brilliant attacking rugby during the tournament and just to hear the crowd get behind us when we started to light it up was exceptional.

“We know we are not the finished product, and we know we have a lot of work to do, but I do think our attack has come a long way and the guys are loving the way we are attacking.”

Foote said the Junior Bok coaching staff are keen to send some players back to their provincial unions to play in the SA Rugby U21 Cup competition.

“We will take it case by case, but some players will go back to their provinces to play in the U21 competition,

“It’s a strong competition and the players are well-coached there, and we are keen for them to keep going. There will be some whose load we will have to manage, but we will do our medicals and take it case by case.”

SA U20 captain Riley Norton, who again had a solid game at lock, was also full of praise for the players’ efforts, on and off the field, during the tournament.

“To have played these high-pressure games against such quality opposition before the World Champs is going to be vital for us,” said Norton.

“The lessons we learnt, the connections and relationships we have managed to build, not only on the field but off-field as well, and the trust we managed to create, are extremely important to us.”

Norton also praised the Eastern Cape crowd for their support during the thrilling encounter: “It was a massive honour for us to play in front of such a passionate crowd. They came out in numbers on a Sunday afternoon, and we are privileged to represent them and play for the country. We want to say thank you to the people of Gqeberha for the support and hospitality throughout our three-week long stay here.”

Wins for Australia and New Zealand - who successfully defended their titled - in the final round of #TRCU20 action in front of another strong crowd in Gqeberha 💪 pic.twitter.com/VAO26ynbaX

— SA Junior Rugby (@SAJuniorRugby) May 11, 2025

Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote credited Australia for staying in the fight and producing a gutsy second-half performance to edge South Africa in their second round Under-20 Rugby Championship clash at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Tuesday afternoon.

Australia get their first win of the 2025 #TRCU20 🇦🇺🏉#SSRugby pic.twitter.com/FJN7JMrVXn

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) May 6, 2025

Australia overturned a 17-point deficit in a tactically astute second-half performance to beat the Junior Boks by 29-24 in a game of two halves.

The visitors dominated territory after the break as they grew in confidence, while the Junior Boks failed to capitalise on their opportunities, especially in the first half.

After the Junior Boks scored two first half tries, Australia turned the tables in the second half by making good use of their scoring opportunities, while hosts would want to look at their discipline and play at the breakdowns, especially after the break.

“We got pegged down in our own half after halftime, and a few turnovers gave them opportunities and momentum,” said Foote, whose team beat Argentina in the opening round last Thursday.

“I think Australia deserve a lot of credit for staying in the fight, they’re gutsy and did well at that. We turned over too much ball and the defensive pressure became big for us.

“The No 1 thing to improve on is probably to look after our ball and making sure we don’t give it up too easily, as well as our discipline to not concede soft penalties.”

Soft moments cost the #JuniorBoks in their #TRCU20 clash against Australia: “These are valuable lessons for us” - more here: https://t.co/OiG1AE3irl 🗣#JourneyToGreatness pic.twitter.com/vprXwkkTwO

— SA Junior Rugby (@SAJuniorRugby) May 6, 2025

'SOFT PENALTIES'

Junior Bok captain Riley Norton also emphasised the number of penalties conceded and the Aussies’ territorial advantage.

“I thought we had a great first half and I thought our game drivers were doing very well,” said Norton.

“In the second half we conceded some soft penalties at times and then we lost the territorial battle. These are valuable lessons for us before the World Rugby U20 Championship.

“We can go back and look at the positives and try to improve on the things we didn’t do well. It did not go our way today, but the boys are still positive, and we have one more game to play in the Championship, and we are excited for that.”

New Zealand scored 11 tries to three in their 75-21 victory over Argentina earlier on Tuesday, and Foote said they realise a big step up will be required when they take on their arch-rivals on Sunday.

“This will be a huge fixture for us – they play with a great tempo and have their tails up (after beating Argentina), so they will be great opposition,” said Foote.

“The team will be very highly motivated for the New Zealand match; we are playing at home, and facing New Zealand is just an amazing test match in itself.”

After two rounds, New Zealand lead the standings with seven points, followed by Australia on six, South Africa on five, and Argentina on zero.

On Sunday, the Aussies and Pumitas cross swords at 2pm, while the final match is at 4:10pm between the Junior Boks and the Kiwis.

Tickets cost R20 and are available online from Webtickets or at the ticket office of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Australia Under-20 overturned a 17 point deficit in a tactically astute second half performance to beat the Junior Springboks by 29-24 in their second round Rugby Championship U20 match on a sunny and mild Tuesday afternoon at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.

In what was a game of two halves, the Aussies did very well to dominate the territorial game after the break as they grew in confidence, while the Junior Boks failed to capitalise on their opportunities, especially in the first half.

Australia get their first win of the 2025 #TRCU20 🇦🇺🏉#SSRugby pic.twitter.com/FJN7JMrVXn

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) May 6, 2025

The Junior Boks, who led by 14-0 at the break, started like a house on fire, with Xola Nyali (flanker) scoring a maul try in the third minute.

Vusi Moyo (flyhalf) converted from the sideline to give the hosts a 7-0.

The Australians were under pressure in the scrums and lineouts, while the Junior Boks ran with intent and put in some big hits when their opponents had the ball, but they made silly mistakes and failed to turn this into points, allowing the men in gold to work their way back into the game.

Australia capitalised from a few lineout throws that weren't straight and turned over possession on the ground a few times, but the Junior Boks' defence held firm, keeping the pressure on their opponents.

This pressure finally reaped rewards as Siya Ndlozi (wing) scored an intercept try just before the half-hour mark, showing great pace to beat the cover defence.

Siya Ndlozi has pace to burn 🔥🔥

The Junior Boks capitalise on an Australian error to double their lead 🏉⚡

📺 Stream #TRCU20 on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/IT6Mm35dks

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) May 6, 2025

Moyo converted and 14-0 was a fair reflection of play at that stage.

The Junior Boks' scrum ascendancy continued to such an extent that Australia lost Trevor King (prop) to the sin bin for repeated infringements.

With the clock into the red in the first half, the Junior Boks launched one last maul attack, but after Nyali went over, the try was disallowed by the TMO for obstruction at the lineout.

THREE TRIES IN 15 MINUTES

Moyo made it 17-0 with an early penalty goal in the second half, but Australia grew in confidence and as their passes started to stick, they forced the Junior Boks onto the backfoot.

Three tries in 15 minutes swung the game in favour of the Aussies, with Eamon Doyle (lock), Edwin Langi (replacement prop) and Lipina Ata (replacement hooker) crossing for the visitors.

Sid Harvey (fullback) converted all three and with just under 20 minutes to go, Australia took a 21-17 lead, somewhat against the run of play, although they deserve credit for putting the Junior Bok defence under pressure, with their tactical kicking game also helping their cause.

Attacking with confidence, the Aussies crossed for what looked to be a great try by Nick Conway (wing), only to be denied by a superb cover tackle by Cheswill Jooste.

Two minutes later, Conway again made lots of ground down the left, but this time his inside pass found Xavier Rubens (centre), who scored Australia's fourth try to make it a nine-point game with 10 minutes on the clock.

When Harvey landed a penalty goal five minutes later, it was game over for the Junior Boks, despite a good try by Batho Hlekani to give South Africa a losing bonus point.

In the first game on Tuesday, New Zealand were in impressive form as they scored a bonus-point 75-21 victory over Argentina's Pumitas, crossing the tryline 11 times and slotting 10 conversions, while only conceding three tries.

New Zealand and Australia record wins in Round Two of the #TRCU20 🏆🏉#SSRugby pic.twitter.com/qmZCyjtRd9

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) May 6, 2025

After two rounds, New Zealand lead the standings with seven points, followed by Australia on six, South Africa on five and Argentina on zero.

On Sunday, the Aussies and Pumitas cross swords at 2pm CAT (SA, GMT+2_, while the final match is at 4:10pm between the Junior Boks and the Kiwis.

Scorers:

Junior Springboks 24 (14) - Tries: Xola Nyali, Siya Ndlozi, Batho Hlekani. Conversions: Vusi Moyo (2), Kyle Smith. Penalty goal: Moyo.

Australia 29 (0) - Tries: Eamon Doyle, Edwin Langi, Lipina Ata, Xavier Rubens. Conversions: Sid Harvey (3). Penalty goal: Harvey.

© SA Rugby

Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote has made several rotational changes to his starting line-up and included four players who played for the SA U20s last year for their second Rugby Championship Under-20 match against Australia at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Tuesday.

The SA U20s managed to beat Argentina in the opening round on Thursday, while Australia forced a late draw against New Zealand, scoring the equalising try after the hooter had sounded.

Foote has handed starts to JC Mars, Wandile Mlaba, Batho Hlekani and Herman Lubbe, all of whom played for the Junior Boks last year.

The SA U20 coach said it is important to keep their momentum going, manage the load of the players while also building squad depth by giving the players exposure to top-class international rugby.

With this – and Tuesday’s game against Australia – in mind, Foote said: “We play three internationals against quality teams in just 11 days, and with the short turnaround time between matches, we must be smart with our player load management.

“We have good squad depth and it’s important for the players to get a taste of international rugby, while we also want to build on our performance against Argentina, knowing that Australia will pose a huge challenge for us.”

In the Junior Bok front row, Simphiwe Ngobese and Lubbe will pack down as props on either side of hooker Juandre Schoeman. Riley Norton is retained at lock and will captain the team again, partnering with Morne Venter.

The loose forward combination sees Xola Nyali, who had a successful campaign with FNB Varsity Cup champions, UCT, coming onto the side of the scrum at flanker. He teams up with Hlekani, who made a strong impact off the bench in the second half against the Pumitas, while Mlaba is retained at No 8, to complete the loose trio.

Among the backs there is a new halfback pairing consisting of Ceano Everson (scrumhalf) and Vusi Moyo (flyhalf), while the midfield comprises of Dominic Malgas and Scott Nel. Cheswill Jooste will start again at right wing, and he will be joined in the back three by Siya Ndlozi (left wing) and Mars (fullback).

Regarding the team and their prospects of playing Australia, who will be highly motivated to register their first win, Foote said he is happy with the balance of the squad.

“It’s a nice match-23 with lots of exciting players and speed among the backs, complemented by a big and physical forward pack, and we are looking forward to the game,” said Foote.

“We see Australia as a massive threat with their ball movement and how they play with width, and we expect they will have some special structured set pieces with lineouts and scrums.

“I know Chris Whitaker from our time together in Vodacom Super Rugby, and he is an exciting, attacking coach. We know we will have to be on top of our game regarding their threats.”

The match kicks off at 16h10 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport. Argentina and New Zealand play in the earlier match on Tuesday starting at 14h00. Tickets for all matches cost R20 and can be bought online at Webtickets or at the ticket office of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

TEAM TO FACE AUSTRALIA IN GQEBERHA

15. JC Mars

14. Cheswill Jooste

13. Scott Nel

12. Dominic Malgas

11. Siya Ndlozi

10. Vusi Moyo

9. Ceano Everson

8. Wandile Mlaba

7. Batho Hlekani

6. Xola Nyali

5. Morne Venter

4. Riley Norton (captain)

3. Herman Lubbe

2. Juandre Schoeman

1. Simphiwe Ngobese

Replacements

16. HB Odendaal

17. Oliver Reid

18. Jean Erasmus

19. Neil Hansen

20. Thando Biyela

21. Elrich Visser

22. Kyle Smith

23. Gino Cupido

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi shared some inspiring words with the future stars of South African rugby when he visited the Junior Springboks at their Saturday morning training session on the B-field of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.

The Junior Boks returned to the training field on Saturday following their victory over Argentina in the opening round of the Under-20 Rugby Championship held in Gqeberha.

Kolisi, who hails from the Eastern Cape, is visiting his hometown and made a surprise appearance at the Junior Boks’ field session.

“It’s amazing to see the boys and good to be in Gqeberha, where people are so hungry for rugby and to see our boys play,” said Kolisi.

“I can see they and the coaches are working hard, they have a great culture and I can see the future of our rugby is in good hands.”

Kolisi was quite amazed at the size of some of the players: “The size of these boys, it's ridiculous compared to me,” he quipped.

When asked what he said to them, Kolisi replied: “I just wished them luck and told them that, at this young age, it’s a huge privilege. They represent all of us in South Africa right now; this is their opportunity, and they must use it well. They are representing not just some people, but the whole of the country.

“They must enjoy the moment because the opportunity can be taken away just like that. I also told them to dream bigger than what is happening on the field – this is not the end for them, they want to kick on to the highest level.”

After nearly 9000 people attended the Junior Boks’ opening game on Thursday, Kolisi also had a special message for the rugby supporters in the Eastern Cape city, where the Boks will face Italy in July.

“I know I don’t have to urge the rugby supporters in Gqeberha to come and support the tournament and our boys,” said the Bok captain.

“I know they are going to attend because this province is hungry for rugby and big events. That’s why every time we come here it’s always full and the people come to welcome us at the airport.

“I want to say thanks in advance to the people in Gqeberha for coming out to support the boys and filling out the stadium – you can see this province can host big events and hopefully more will come after this.”

Junior Springbok captain Riley Norton said he and his teammates were extremely excited to see the two-time Rugby World Cup winning captain take time out of his busy schedule to come and attend their morning training session.

“Seeing Siya watch the training session and then his engagement with the squad and staff afterwards was a very special moment,” said Norton. “He is our hero and we are grateful for the inspiring words he shared with us and we thoroughly enjoyed the special occasion.”

Tickets for all matches cost R20 and can be bought online at Webtickets or at the ticket office of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. The second round of action takes place on Tuesday, 6 May, when New Zealand take on Argentina (14h00) and South Africa face Australia (16h10).