The stage is set for the electrifying U20 Rugby Championship, and the Junior Boks are coming in hot with a squad peppered with URC emerging stars and seasoned young veterans. Cheswill Jooste and Zekhethelo Siyaya, two standout names, are on provisional duty, slated to bring their A-game post their URC commitments. As the team gears up for the tournament kick-off on April 27 in Gqeberha, the anticipation is palpable.
Currently on tour, winger Jooste, with the Vodacom Bulls, is nursing a foot injury, while fullback Siyaya, of the Sharks, is poised to dazzle in his URC debut against the Ospreys. Under the watchful eye of Junior Boks coach Kevin Foote, the squad is a blend of fresh talent and proven warriors. Notably, four members from last year's Junior World Championship-winning team are back - captain Riley Norton, Siphosethu Mnebelele, Oliver Reid, and Vusi Moyo.
New blood from the SA U18 squad last year includes centres Markus Muller and Ethan Adams, No 8 Gert Kemp, and prop Kai Pratt. The squad finalization was a Herculean task, whittled down from a bustling training group in Stellenbosch. Injuries have reshuffled the pack, leading to the inclusion of former Wynberg lock Jaythen Orange and UCT midfielder Olunje Mehlomakulu.
"We asked a lot of the group over the past two weeks, because we wanted to step up the intensity and increase their fitness, and they responded splendidly,"
said Foote."We know from experience that the southern hemisphere teams play a high tempo game, and we are looking forward to playing an exciting brand of rugby with lots of ball in play,"
he added, emphasizing the tailored camp program focused on high-tempo play and team cohesion.The final squad will hinge on this weekend's URC fixtures and subsequent medical updates. But one thing's clear: the Junior Boks are not just participating; they're set to make a statement. With high stakes and higher expectations, this squad is primed to showcase the next generation of South African rugby on the world stage.
Junior Boks squad for U20 Rugby Championship:
Props: Oliver Reid (Stormers), Rambo Kubheka (Sharks), Jordan Jooste (Stormers), Danie Kruger (Stormers), Kai Pratt (Sharks).
Hookers: Siphosethu Mnebelele (Bulls), Liam van Wyk (Sharks).
Locks: Heinrich Theron (Bulls), Riley Norton (c, Stormers), JD Hattingh (Lions), Jaythen Orange (Lions).
Loose forwards: Kebotile Maake (Bulls), Risima Khosa (Lions), Luke Canon (Lions), Thomas Beling (Bulls), Wasi Vyambwera (Sharks), Gert Kemp (Stormers).
Scrumhalves: Hendré Schoeman (Bulls), Jayden Brits (Stormers).
Flyhalves: Yaq