The Junior Boks have turned to Alzeadon Felix at fullback for Saturday’s Junior World Championship final against France U20 after Luan Giliomee’s suspension.
Giliomee was sent off in South Africa’s semi-final victory over England U20 for making contact with an opponent in the air.
It is the only enforced change in the backline as the Junior Boks aim to win back-to-back Junior World Championship titles for the first time.
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The other changes come in the loose trio, where Wasi Vyambwera starts at No 8 in place of Gert Kemp, who shifts to the bench, and Risima Khosa comes in at openside flank.
The experienced front row of Oliver Reid, captain Siphosethu Mnebelele and Danie Kruger remains intact, with Heinrich Theron and JD Hattingh again combining in the second row.
Luke Cannon completes the loose trio alongside Khosa and Vyambwera.
Behind the scrum, Hendré Schoeman and Yaqeen Ahmed continue their impressive halfback partnership, while Ethan Adams and Markus Muller retain their midfield places. Wings Khuthadzo Rasivhaga and Cheswill Jooste complete the back three with Felix.
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Foote said the squad had used the week well to prepare for what promises to be a massive challenge.
“This group has been together since the beginning of the year and they understand the way we want to play. We’ve used this week to sharpen our readiness and focus on the areas where we felt we could improve.
“The pleasing aspect of this group is their honesty and accountability. The players are open with each other in their assessments, and together we’ve identified solutions and worked hard on those areas.
“We believe we have prepared well for what will be a massive challenge.
“France are a very formidable side and fully deserve their place in the final. Their performances in the recent Junior World Championship and the U20 Six Nations show that they understand how to perform when playing knockout rugby.”
Saturday’s final will kick off at 6:30pm (SA time).
JUNIOR SPRINGBOKS – 15 Alzeadon Felix, 14 Cheswill Jooste, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Ethan Adams, 11 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Hendré Schoeman, 8 Wasi Vyambwera, 7 Luke Cannon, 6 Risima Khosa, 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 Gert Kemp, 22 Jayden Brits, 23 Samuel Badenhorst.
Photo: @SAJuniorRugby/X
The post Junior Boks back Felix for final appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Junior Boks have turned to Alzeadon Felix at fullback for Saturday’s Junior World Championship final against France U20 after Luan Giliomee’s suspension.
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