Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote has rung three changes to the side that demolished England in Tuesday’s semi-final as South Africa chase historic back-to-back U20 World Championship crowns against France in Saturday’s decider at the Mikheil Meskhi Stadium in Tbilisi. The 18:30 kick-off (SA time) will be broadcast live on SuperSport, marking the first time these two rugby superpowers have met in a Junior World Championship final.
The Junior Boks produced a commanding second-half masterclass to overcome England 53-37 and secure a second consecutive final appearance, whilst France edged New Zealand in a tense semi-final courtesy of a late breakaway try. Now these two unbeaten titans collide for the ultimate prize, with South Africa aiming to become the first nation to claim successive U20 world titles.
Loose trio reshuffled, Felix replaces suspended Giliomee
Foote has made two adjustments to his forward pack, both in the loose trio. Wasi Vyambwera starts at number eight, with Gert Kemp moving to the bench where he is expected to provide trademark impact during the decisive final quarter. Risima Khosa shifts to flanker, joining Luke Cannon and Vyambwera in a loose trio balancing physicality, work rate and attacking menace.
The experienced front-row combination of Oliver Reid, captain Siphosethu Mnebelele and Danie Kruger once again anchors the scrum, providing the platform from which the Junior Boks have launched their tournament charge. Heinrich Theron and JD Hattingh continue their successful second-row partnership, a pairing that has dominated opposition lineouts and provided grunt work in tight exchanges.
The sole enforced backline change sees Alzeadon Felix come in at fullback for Luan Giliomee, who received a red card in the semi-final and is suspended for the decider. Felix steps into the number 15 jersey with big boots to fill but possesses the pace and counter-attacking instincts to threaten France from deep.
Settled combinations provide stability
The halfback pairing of Hendré Schoeman and Yaqeen Ahmed retains its place, providing the tactical direction and game management that has steered the Junior Boks through knockout football’s treacherous waters. The midfield combination of Ethan Adams and Markus Muller continues, offering hard carrying and defensive solidity in the 12-13 channels.
On the wings, hat-trick hero Khuthadzo Rasivhaga and Cheswill Jooste provide blistering pace and clinical finishing ability that has tormented opposition defences throughout the Georgian campaign. Rasivhaga’s three tries against England announced him as one of the tournament’s most dangerous attackers, whilst Jooste’s work rate and positioning make him a constant threat.
The bench features six forwards and two backs, with Samuel Badenhorst joining Kemp amongst the replacements to provide impact when French resistance begins to tire.
Foote praises squad honesty and accountability
The Junior Boks coach, in his second season at the helm, praised the squad’s preparation throughout the week leading into what promises to be the ultimate examination of their credentials.
“This group has been together since the beginning of the year and they understand the way we want to play,” Foote explained. “We’ve used this week to sharpen our readiness and focus on the areas where we felt we could improve.
“The pleasing aspect of this group is their honesty and accountability. The players are open with each other in their assessments, and together we’ve identified solutions and worked hard on those areas. We believe we have prepared well for what will be a massive challenge.”
Foote credited the entire squad for earning a place in a second successive final, highlighting the bond and collective commitment that has defined their campaign. “The outstanding quality of this group is the bond they share and how much they enjoy representing South Africa. We’re still reviewing our game and know we have room to keep pushing to get better.
“France are a very formidable side and fully deserve their place in the final. Their performances in the recent JWC and the Six Nations show that they understand how to perform when playing knockout rugby.”
South African identity remains central
Looking ahead to Saturday’s encounter, Foote insisted the Junior Boks would remain true to their identity whilst ensuring tactical discipline when it matters most.
“We want to continue playing the South African way,” he declared. “That means using our physicality to create momentum, winning the gain-line battle and playing with tempo and intensity.
“Our set piece will be important in providing a solid platform, but we will also need to be smart and accurate, particularly on defence. Our preparations have gone extremely well. The players have clarity around our game model, they have confidence in one another, and there is genuine excitement about the opportunity that lies ahead.”
Historic achievement beckons
The Junior Boks lifted the trophy in 2025 after defeating New Zealand in last year’s final, establishing themselves as the premier force in age-group rugby. Saturday offers the opportunity to cement that status with a historic achievement no South African U20 side has accomplished – successive world titles.
France stand between them and immortality, bringing Six Nations championship pedigree and a tournament campaign built on defensive solidity and clinical finishing. When the whistle sounds at 18:30 on Saturday evening, one team will make history. The Junior Boks believe it will be them.
Junior Springbok team:
15 Alzeadon Felix (Lions), 14 Cheswill Jooste (Bulls), 13 Markus Muller (Stormers), 12 Ethan Adams (Lions), 11 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga (Sharks), 10 Yaqeen Ahmed (Stormers), 9 Hendré Schoeman (Bulls), 8 Wasi Vyambwera (Sharks), 7 Luke Cannon (Lions), 6 Risima Khosa (Lions), 5 JD Hattingh (Lions), 4 Heinrich Theron (Bulls), 3 Danie Kruger (Stormers), 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele (captain, Bulls), 1 Oliver Reid (Stormers)
Replacements: 16 Liam van Wyk (Sharks), 17 Rambo Kubheka (Sharks), 18 Luan van der Berg (Bulls), 19 Jaythen Orange (Lions), 20 Thomas Beling (Lions), 21 Gert Kemp (Stormers), 22 Jayden Brits (Stormers), 23 Samuel Badenhorst (Stormers)
