South Africa U20 stick with winning formula for New Zealand decider

Junior Springboks coach Kevin Foote has adopted the ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ approach to his selections for the final round of the U20 Rugby Championship.

Foote’s young squad sit in the driver’s seat in the tournament as the only unbeaten team and the only team with a positive points differential (+66). Following last round’s 56-27 win over Australia, the coach has made just one change to the matchday 23, with loose forward Risima Khosa replacing Gert Kemp on the bench.

To secure a maiden U20 Rugby Championship title, South Africa need one final result against their famous rivals.

“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.”

Foote had no doubt his players would be raring to go by the time gameday rolls around, and emphasised the need to evolve ahead of the Junior World Championships in Georgia in July.

“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,” the coach added

“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.”

South Africa U20 team to play New Zealand

1. Rambo Kubheka
2. Liam van Wyk
3. Danie Kruger
4. Heinrich Theron
5. Riley Norton (captain)
6. Luke Canon
7. Wasi Vyambwera
8. Kebotile Maake
9. Hendré Schoeman
10. Yaqeen Ahmed
11. Khuthadzo Rasivhaga
12. Ethan Adams
13. Samuel Badenhorst
14. Jack Benade
15. Akahluwa Boqwana

Reserves

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