In a bold move that's shaking up the field, Junior Boks coach Kevin Foote has revamped his lineup for the upcoming U20 International Series opener against Chile this Thursday in Cape Town. The game, set to ignite at 3pm at Rondebosch Boys’ High, follows a skirmish between Fiji and Georgia at 1pm. From the team that tied with New Zealand in the final game of the U20 Rugby Championship, only eight warriors are back to battle Chile.
Stepping up as captain is the formidable former SA Schools A leader and flanker, Risima Khosa. Joining him are key players including prop Luan van der Berg, hooker Mahle Sithole, lock JD Hattingh, scrumhalf Jayden Brits, flyhalf Vusi Moyo, wing Jade Muller, and fullback Akhahluwa Boqwana. This shake-up introduces fresh legs and ambitious talent onto the field, promising a fiery contest.
"We are giving players who were not heavily involved in the Rugby Championship an opportunity to play and gain experience of international rugby,"
Foote explained. The strategy isn't just about rotation but nurturing the next wave of rugby greats. "They worked hard during training over the past week and now have a great opportunity to showcase their skills while representing our country," he added. This series isn't just a set of games; it's a forge for the Junior Boks to hammer out team dynamics and sharpen their skills ahead of the Junior World Championship in Georgia next month.
The anticipation for Thursday's match is palpable, with expectations set high for an intense showdown. Chile is expected to come in strong and motivated, presenting a gritty challenge to the new-look Junior Boks.
The revised Junior Springboks team stepping onto the field includes Alzeadon Felix at fullback, Jade Muller and Olunje Mehlomakulu on the wings, centers Pieter van der Merwe and Lindsey Jansen, flyhalf Vusi Moyo, and scrumhalf Jayden Brits. The forwards are rounded out by Vuyo Gwiji, Gert Kemp, captain Risima Khosa, JD Hattingh, Jaythen Orange, Luan van der Berg, Mahle Sithole, and Jordan Jooste. The bench brings fresh options with Altus Rabe, Kai Pratt, Bongani Dlamini, Thomas Beling, Quintin Potgieter, Jandrian Goosen, Junaide Stuart, and Akhahluwa Boqwana ready to jump into the fray.
With the stage set at Rondebosch Boys’ High, all eyes will be on how these young titans of rugby rise to the occasion under the leadership of Risima Khosa and the strategic mind of Coach Foote. The upcoming clashes in this series are a prelude to the vigorous tests that await at the Junior World Championship, making every match a critical piece of the larger puzzle.
2,100 posts
In a bold move that's shaking up the field, Junior Boks coach Kevin Foote has revamped his lineup for the upcoming U20 International Series opener against Chile this Thursday in Cape Town. The game, set to ignite at 3pm at Rondebosch Boys’ High, follows a skirmish between Fiji and Georgia at 1pm. From the team that tied with New Zealand in the final game of the U20 Rugby Championship, only eight warriors are back to battle Chile.
Stepping up as captain is the formidable former SA Schools A leader and flanker, Risima Khosa. Joining him are key players including prop Luan van der Berg, hooker Mahle Sithole, lock JD Hattingh, scrumhalf Jayden Brits, flyhalf Vusi Moyo, wing Jade Muller, and fullback Akhahluwa Boqwana. This shake-up introduces fresh legs and ambitious talent onto the field, promising a fiery contest.
"We are giving players who were not heavily involved in the Rugby Championship an opportunity to play and gain experience of international rugby,"
Foote explained. The strategy isn't just about rotation but nurturing the next wave of rugby greats. "They worked hard during training over the past week and now have a great opportunity to showcase their skills while representing our country," he added. This series isn't just a set of games; it's a forge for the Junior Boks to hammer out team dynamics and sharpen their skills ahead of the Junior World Championship in Georgia next month.
The anticipation for Thursday's match is palpable, with expectations set high for an intense showdown. Chile is expected to come in strong and motivated, presenting a gritty challenge to the new-look Junior Boks.
The revised Junior Springboks team stepping onto the field includes Alzeadon Felix at fullback, Jade Muller and Olunje Mehlomakulu on the wings, centers Pieter van der Merwe and Lindsey Jansen, flyhalf Vusi Moyo, and scrumhalf Jayden Brits. The forwards are rounded out by Vuyo Gwiji, Gert Kemp, captain Risima Khosa, JD Hattingh, Jaythen Orange, Luan van der Berg, Mahle Sithole, and Jordan Jooste. The bench brings fresh options with Altus Rabe, Kai Pratt, Bongani Dlamini, Thomas Beling, Quintin Potgieter, Jandrian Goosen, Junaide Stuart, and Akhahluwa Boqwana ready to jump into the fray.
With the stage set at Rondebosch Boys’ High, all eyes will be on how these young titans of rugby rise to the occasion under the leadership of Risima Khosa and the strategic mind of Coach Foote. The upcoming clashes in this series are a prelude to the vigorous tests that await at the Junior World Championship, making every match a critical piece of the larger puzzle.