Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote has opted for continuity for their Under-20 Rugby Championship decider against New Zealand on Saturday, making just one change to the matchday squad for the final encounter at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha at 16:10 (SA Time).
The only adjustment to the team that defeated Australia last weekend is on the replacements bench, where loose forward Risima Khosa returns in place of Gert Kemp in an otherwise settled squad.
South Africa currently tops the standings on 10 points and requires just a single log point from Saturday’s clash to clinch the U20 Rugby Championship title for the first time.
Despite New Zealand’s recent stumble against Argentina, Foote believes the rivalry with the Kiwis remains the ultimate challenge for any South African rugby player, and feels the stage is set for another classic encounter between the two traditional rivals in the Friendly City.
“For us in rugby, it doesn’t get better than South Africa versus New Zealand,” said Foote.
“They are our greatest rivals, and the opportunity to play them in front of the Gqeberha crowd at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is a privilege for everyone involved with the Junior Boks.
“We have huge respect for the New Zealanders and, like us, they will be highly motivated to end the tournament on a high.”
A combined total of more than 20,000 supporters attended the opening two rounds at the NMB Stadium, prompting Foote to emphasise the impact of home support.
“There is a unique energy that comes with playing in the Eastern Cape,” he said.
“We’ve felt the passion from the Gqeberha crowd since we arrived here two weeks ago, and having that passionate support behind us means a great deal to the team.”
Looking ahead to the final round, Foote stressed that the team’s focus extends beyond silverware: “Our objective on Saturday is about more than just the trophy, it’s about our growth and continuing the journey we’ve started with this group.
“These two teams have a history of producing memorable encounters when they meet, and it’s every South African rugby player’s dream to stand facing the haka and take on New Zealand.”
Foote added that he was pleased with the team’s preparation for the clash: “We’ve had a good week of preparation. The players are excited for this massive challenge, and the staff have done a tremendous job in keeping the group close-knit and in a very positive space.
“Gqeberha is a wonderful venue to host an international tournament such as the U20 Rugby Championship, and the people of the Eastern Cape have been outstanding hosts. We hope to repay that support with a quality performance against our greatest rivals on Saturday,” he added.
Junior Springbok team to face NZ in Gqeberha:
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 (captain)
4 Heinrich Theron
3 Danie Kruger
2 Liam van Wyk
1 Rambo Kubheka
Replacements:
16 Mahle Sithole
17 Oliver Reid
18 Luan van der Berg
19 JD Hattingh
20 Risima Khosa
21 Jayden Brits
22 Vusi Moyo
23 Jade Muller