The Junior Springboks land in Georgia with championship pedigree coursing through their veins and a fresh crop of talent hungry to announce themselves on the international stage. Sunday’s opener against Georgia U20 marks the beginning of a crucial development tour, with world champions mixing alongside exciting new caps in a squad brimming with potential. We take a look at the ‘old’ hands and rookies in the engine room who will do te job for Kevin Foote’s Baby Boks.
From Zwide township to the hallowed halls of Grey College, this touring party represents the breadth and depth of South African rugby’s conveyor belt.
Oliver Reid arrives in Tbilisi as a World Rugby U20 Championship winner with something to prove. The Paul Roos product and current Stormers contracted player has caught John Dobson’s eye in a big way.
“He’s an exciting prospect,” the Stormers boss declared. “Strong and unapologetic about the fact that he wants to scrum people.”
That mentality epitomises modern front row play, technically proficient but carrying an edge that intimidates opposition packs.
Alongside Reid, Oakdale old boy and Baby Bok rookie, Kai Pratt brings genuine menace. Contracted to the Sharks, the man mountain isn’t just physically imposing, he’s a destructive ball carrier who takes names for fun. His tireless work rate both sides of the ball and scrummaging prowess make him a nightmare matchup.
Sibabalwe Booi represents something special. The Ndzondelelo High School product from Zwide made SA Schools A in 2023 despite not coming from a traditional rugby powerhouse background. Now contracted to the Cheetahs, the budding star’s inclusion signals South African rugby’s commitment to unearthing talent beyond the usual corridors.
Siphosethu Mnebelele’s story tugs at the heartstrings. The 2025 world championship winner and KES old boy was set to become the latest Junior Bok fast-tracked into Rassie Erasmus’ Springbok setup until a cruel knee injury struck during the SA U19 Academy’s Cork tour.
“Esethu is an excellent athlete with brilliant fundamental skills,” explained Junior Boks coach Kevin Foote. “He works extremely hard with his lineout throwing and scrummaging. He has a completion rate of more than 96% with his throws.”
That precision and work ethic now drive the Bulls-contracted hooker as he leads from the front in Georgia.
Liam van Wyk, dubbed the “New Gen Dane Coles,” captained Grey College to memorable victories in 2024 before joining the Sharks. His Craven Week brilliance for the Cheetahs and subsequent SA Schools A selection cemented his reputation as a complete rake.
Meanwhile, Maritzburg College product Wasi Vyambwera brings fresh energy. The Sharks-contracted loose forward earned SA Schools colours in 2025 and gets his first crack at Junior Bok rugby.
Riley Norton wears the captain’s armband with serious credentials backing him up. The Paul Roos old boy, currently studying at Maties whilst contracted to the Stormers, lifted the U20 World Championship trophy in 2025. Oh, and he’s also a national colours cricketer who represented SA Schools in 2024. Talk about a genuine all-round athlete.
Then there’s Gert Kemp, the Paul Roos and Stormers player who probably doesn’t receive the hype he deserves. An exceptionally intelligent and skillful operator with excellent leadership qualities, the SA Schools representative brings game management and tactical nous that could prove decisive.
Georgia U20 face a Junior Bok squad blending championship-winning steel with hungry newcomers desperate to stake their claim. From Reid’s scrummaging brutality to Booi’s inspiring journey, this touring party showcases South African rugby’s embarrassment of riches.
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