Riley Norton Leads Junior Boks Against Georgia

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May 28, 2026, 18:43

The stage is set at Paul Roos Gymnasium’s Markötter Stadium in Stellenbosch, where the Junior Springboks, led by the returning captain Riley Norton, are gearing up for a clash against Georgia U20 this Saturday. Kickoff is at 2:30 pm, with the action streaming live on YouTube, setting the scene for a rugby-filled afternoon as Chile and Fiji will also lock horns at 4:30 pm.

Norton, who had been away at the Springbok alignment camp, missed the initial bout against Chile U20 but is now back to steer the ship. His leadership comes just in time as the team looks to build on their crushing 82-25 win over Fiji earlier in the week. The Junior Boks are making several strategic changes to their lineup, aiming to maintain their momentum.

Vusi Moyo continues to impress, securing his spot as the starting flyhalf for the third consecutive game, following a stunning performance that saw him nail 22 conversions and adeptly control the backline. Luan Giliomee, after a thrilling hat-trick against Fiji, retains his position at fullback, promising more fireworks from the back.

"The boys have shown great composure under pressure and that’s what we aim to build on,"

Moyo commented, praising the team's game management.

Linking up with Moyo in the midfield will be Yaqeen Ahmed and Samuel Badenhorst, both standouts from the team’s recent successful U20 Rugby Championship campaign in Gqeberha. The pack sees Quintin Potgieter shifting to No. 8 while Luke Cannon will flank him, adding muscle and agility to the loose trio. Oliver Reid earns a promotion from the bench to start as one of the front-row forwards in a shuffled pack.

Despite the upbeat atmosphere, the Junior Boks have had to navigate through injury troubles. Several key players, including Jordan Jooste and Christian Vorster, picked up injuries in the previous game and, alongside others, continue their recovery off-field.

"The ever-changing sevens landscape demands adaptability and resilience,"

noted coach Wessels, signalling a focus on strategic flexibility.

With a blend of seasoned players returning and new faces stepping up, the Junior Springboks are looking formidable as they head into this pivotal match. The team is listed as follows:

JUNIOR SPRINGBOKS – 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Jack Benade, 13 Samuel Badenhorst, 12 Yaqeen Ahmed, 11 Khuthadzo Rashivaga, 10 Vusi Moyo, 9 Hendre Schoeman, 8 Quintin Potgieter, 7 Luke Cannon, 6 Kebotile Maake, 5 Riley Norton (c), 4 Heinrich Theron, 3 Danie Kruger, 2 Liam van Wyk, 1 Oliver Reid. Bench: 16 Mahle Sithole, 17 Rambo Kubheka, 18 Luan van der Berg, 19 JD Hattingh, 20 Gert Kemp, 21 Jayden Brits, 22 Pieter van der

 
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