Prop Rambo Kubheka will captain the Junior Springboks in their opening match of the Junior World Championship against Uruguay in Tbilisi on Saturday.
With squad captain Siphosethu Mnebelele named among the replacements, Kubheka takes over the leadership duties for the Pool A clash.
Junior Boks coach Kevin Foote has opted for a split of five forwards and three backs on the bench.
The starting pack features Kubheka, Liam van Wyk, and Luan van der Berg in the front row, with Jaythen Orange and JD Hattingh in the second row. The loose trio consists of Risima Khosa, Gert Kemp and Vuyo Gwiji.
Hendré Schoeman starts at scrumhalf, while Alzeadon Felix wears the No 10 jersey in the absence of the suspended Yaqeen Ahmed. Ethan Adams and Markus Muller are in midfield, Jordan Steenkamp and Khuthadzo Rashivaga on the wings, and the versatile Luan Giliomee at fullback.
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Bulls wing Cheswill Jooste, a stalwart of last year’s successful campaign who joined the squad late after completing his URC commitments, is one of the three backline players named on the bench.
“We have picked a team that we believe will do the job for us against Uruguay on Saturday,” said Foote, who emphasised that squad rotation will be a key factor during the gruelling four-week event.
“Competition for places is incredibly high, which is exactly what you want as a coach. We have selected a match 23 that we believe will deliver a good performance. There is a quick turnaround time between matches, so player load management will be crucial for us.”
Foote insisted his team will not be underestimating their opponents.
“We are highly motivated to start on a positive note, but we know that every team here will be determined to make an impact in Georgia.”
Saturday’s match will kick off at 6:30pm (SA time).
MORE: Junior World Championship Pool A preview
JUNIOR SPRINGBOKS – 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Ethan Adams, 11 Jordan Steenkamp, 10 Alzeadon Felix, 9 Hendré Schoeman, 8 Vuyo Gwiji, 7 Gert Kemp, 6 Risima Khosa, 5 JD Hattingh, 4 Jaythen Orange, 3 Luan van der Berg, 2 Liam van Wyk, 1 Rambo Kubheka (c).
Bench: 16 Siphosetho Mnebelele, 17 Jordan Jooste, 18 Danie Kruger, 19 Thomas Beling, 20 Wasi Vyambwera, 21 Jayden Brits, 22 Akahluwa Boqwana, 23 Cheswill Jooste.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post Rambo leads Junior Boks into battle appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Prop Rambo Kubheka will captain the Junior Springboks in their opening match of the Junior World Championship against Uruguay in Tbilisi on Saturday.
The post Rambo leads Junior Boks into battle appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
