Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote has made three changes to the side that defeated England in the Junior World Championship semi-final for Saturday’s final against France in Tbilisi.
The decider at the Mikheil Meskhi Stadium kicks off at 18h30 SAST. It will also mark the first time South Africa and France have met in the final of the global U20 tournament.
The Junior Boks produced a commanding second-half display to overcome England and secure a second consecutive appearance in the final, while France edged New Zealand in a tense semi-final courtesy of a late breakaway try.
Foote has made just two adjustments to his forward pack, both in the loose trio. Wasi Vyambwera starts at No 8, with Gert Kemp moving to the bench, where he is expected to provide impact later in the contest. Risima Khosa will start at flanker.
The experienced front-row combination of Oliver Reid, SA U20 captain Siphosethu Mnebelele and Danie Kruger once again anchors the scrum, while Heinrich Theron and JD Hattingh continue their successful partnership in the second row. In the loose trio, Luke Cannon joins Khosa and Vyambwera, providing a balanced combination of physicality, work rate and attacking threat.
There is only one enforced change in the backline, with Alzeadon Felix coming in at fullback for Luan Giliomee, who received a red card in the semi-final.
The settled halfback combination of Hendre Schoeman and Yaqeen Ahmed will start, next to the midfield pairing of Ethan Adams and Markus Muller, while Khuthadzo Rashivago and Cheswill Jooste provide pace and finishing ability on the wings.
Samuel Badenhorst will join Kemp amongst the replacements as part of the Junior Boks' bench, which features six forwards and two backs.
The Junior Boks, champions in 2025 after defeating New Zealand in last year’s final, will be aiming to become the first South African side to win back-to-back world titles.
Foote, who is in his second season at the helm of the Junior Boks, said the squad has used the week effectively to prepare for a formidable French outfit.
“This group has been together since the beginning of the year and they understand the way we want to play,” said Foote.
“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.”
Foote praised the squad’s efforts throughout the tournament, crediting the entire group for earning a place in a second successive final: “The outstanding quality of this group is the bond they share and how much they enjoy representing South Africa. We still reviewing our game and know we have room to keep pushing to get better.
“France are a very formidable side and fully deserve their place in the final. Their performances in the recent JWC and the Six Nations show that they understand how to perform when playing knockout rugby.”
Looking ahead to Saturday’s encounter, Foote said the Junior Boks would remain true to their identity while ensuring they are tactically disciplined.
“We want to continue playing the South African way,” he said. “That means using our physicality to create momentum, winning the gain-line battle and playing with tempo and intensity.
“Our set piece will be important in providing a solid platform, but we will also need to be smart and accurate, particularly on defence. Our preparations have gone extremely well. The players have clarity around our game model, they have confidence in one another, and there is genuine excitement about the opportunity that lies ahead.”
Junior Springbok team to face France in Tbilisi:
15 Alzeadon Felix (Fidelity Securedrive Lions)
14 Cheswill Jooste (Vodacom Bulls)
13 Markus Muller (DHL Stormers)
12 Ethan Adams (Fidelity Securedrive Lions)
11 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
10 Yaqeen Ahmed (DHL Stormers)
9 Hendré Schoeman (Vodacom Bulls)
8 Wasi Vyambwera (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
7 Luke Cannon (Fidelity Securedrive Lions)
6 Risima Khosa (Fidelity Securedrive Lions)
5 JD Hattingh (Fidelity Securedrive Lions)
4 Heinrich Theron (Vodacom Buls)
3 Danie Kruger (DHL Stormers)
2 Siphosethu Mnebelele (captain, Vodacom Bulls)
1 Oliver Reid (DHL Stormers)
Replacements:
16 Liam van Wyk (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
17 Rambo Kubheka (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
18 Luan van der Berg (Vodacom Bulls)
19 Jaythen Orange (Fidelity Securedrive Lions)
20 Thomas Beling (Fidelity Securedrive Lions)
21 Gert Kemp (DHL Stormers)
22 Jayden Brits (DHL Stormers)
23 Samuel Badenhorst (DHL Stormers)