Coach Kevin Foote has shuffled his Junior Springbok pack and backline for Monday’s Junior World Championship semi-final against England in Tbilisi.
With the defending champions chasing a spot in the U20s showpiece, Foote has made four changes to the starting XV that beat Wales in their last Pool A match in the Georgian capital.
Up front, Kebotile Maake starts at openside flanker, Luke Cannon takes the blindside berth and Gert Kemp comes in at No 8. Risima Khosa and Vujo Gwiji make way, with the former named among the six forward replacements.
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In the backline, Markus Muller returns at outside centre ahead of Samuel Badenhorst, while Luan Giliomee is back at fullback after clearing head injury assessment protocols. Alzeadon Felix drops to the bench for backline cover.
“We’ve made some rotational changes to the squad, mindful that we had an extra day for recovery, which came at the right time after three pool matches in a relatively short period,” Foote said.
“We have selected what we believe is an exciting team and a combination best suited to our game model against a very good England side.”
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England reached the last four unbeaten, winning all three pool matches, matching the Junior Boks’ own record.
“England have shown their quality by winning all three of their pool games,” Foote added.
“They have a strong and successful history in this competition and will be highly motivated for this match. We have prepared well, and now it’s about executing our plan.
“These young men love representing this team and playing for South Africa. We are grateful to represent our country and are excited about the challenge that awaits us on Monday.”
JUNIOR SPRINGBOKS – 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Cheswill Jooste, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Ethan Adams, 11 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Hendré Schoeman, 8 Gert Kemp, 7 Luke Cannon, 6 Kebotile Maake, 5 JD Hattingh, 4 Heinrich Theron, 3 Danie Kruger, 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele (c), 1 Oliver Reid.
Bench: 16 Liam van Wyk, 17 Rambo Kubheka, 18 Luan van der Berg, 19 Jaythen Orange, 20 Thomas Beling, 21 Risima Khosa, 22 Jayden Brits, 23 Alzeadon Felix.
Photo: @SAJuniorRugby/X
The post Junior Boks switch up four for semi appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Coach Kevin Foote has shuffled his Junior Springbok pack and backline for Monday’s Junior World Championship semi-final against England in Tbilisi.
The post Junior Boks switch up four for semi appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
