Opportunity knocks loudly for South Africa’s next generation of rugby stars. When the Junior Springboks take the field at Rondebosch Boys’ High School on Thursday afternoon, it won’t be the same XV that battled New Zealand in Gqeberha, not even close.
Head coach Kevin Foote has wielded the axe with surgical precision, making sweeping rotational changes to his side for the opening-round clash of the SA Rugby Under-20 International Series against Chile. Of the 23-man match-day squad that faced the Baby Blacks in the closing encounter of the Under-20 Rugby Championship, just eight survivors remain.
This isn’t panic. This is planning.
With the Junior World Championship in Georgia looming on the horizon next month, Foote is building depth, spreading international experience, and ensuring that when the pressure ramps up on the global stage.
“We are giving players who were not heavily involved in the Rugby Championship an opportunity to play and gain experience of international rugby,” Foote explained.
“They worked hard during training over the past week and now have a great opportunity to showcase their skills while representing our country.”
Foote looks to be treating this home series as an extended trial, an audition where fringe players can stake their claim and prove they deserve a seat on the plane to Tbilisi.
The retained eight
The players who’ve kept their places tell their own story. Former SA Schools ‘A’ captain Risima Khosa takes the armband at flanker, leading a pack that includes prop Luan van der Berg, hooker Mahle Sithole, and lock JD Hattingh, the grunt merchants who provide the platform.
Behind them, scrumhalf Jayden Brits and flyhalf Vusi Moyo retain their half-back partnership, suggesting Foote values continuity at the engine room of his side. Wing Jade Muller and fullback Akhahluwa Boqwana complete the survivors, though Boqwana drops to the bench for this encounter.
Everyone else gets their shot.
Fresh faces, hungry players
Alzeadon Felix gets the nod at fullback, whilst Olunje Mehlomakulu and Pieter van der Merwe form a new midfield combination. Lindsey Jansen earns his chance on the left wing, and in the pack, Jordan Jooste starts at loosehead prop with Jaythen Orange partnering Hattingh in the second row.
The loose trio sees Vuyo Gwiji at number eight and Gert Kemp at openside flanker, joining captain Khosa on the blindside.
It’s a side brimming with potential but desperately needing game time at this level. Chile provide the perfect test, a gritty opponent capable of making life uncomfortable if you’re not switched on, but beatable if you execute your game plan with discipline and precision.
“This series also presents another opportunity for us to continue our growth as a team and to build cohesion as we progress with our preparations for next month’s Junior World Championship in Georgia,” Foote said.
“We expect Chile to be a gritty and motivated opponent.”
That’s coach-speak for: don’t expect a walkover.
The Georgia factor
Everything, and make no mistake, everything, is geared towards the Junior World Championship in Georgia next month. South Africa has a proud history at this level, consistently producing sides capable of challenging for the title and churning out future Springboks.
But success at a World Cup requires more than just a talented starting XV. It demands a squad with depth, versatility, and players who’ve been battle-hardened by international rugby before the tournament even begins.
That’s what Foote is building here.
By rotating heavily against Chile, he’s not showing disrespect to the opposition, he’s showing faith in his wider squad. He’s telling 15 players: “You’re good enough to represent South Africa. Now prove you’re good enough to start at a World Cup.”
Chile won’t roll over
Despite being the underdogs, Chile arrive with nothing to lose and everything to gain. They’ll look to disrupt South Africa’s rhythm, slow down ball at the breakdown, and make life as uncomfortable as possible for a Junior Bok side featuring numerous debutants.
South American rugby has been on an upward trajectory in recent years, with improved structures and investment bearing fruit at age-grade level.
If the Junior Boks come out sluggish, if they underestimate the task at hand, Chile are capable of causing an upset that would send shockwaves through rugby circles.
That’s precisely why this match matters. Not just for the result, but for the lessons it teaches these young players about professionalism, preparation, and respect for every opponent.
What to Watch
Keep an eye on the half-back pairing of Brits and Moyo. Their retained places suggest they’re nailed-on starters for Georgia, and their ability to control tempo, manage field position, and bring runners onto the ball will be crucial against Chile’s expected rush defence.
Up front, the scrummaging battle will provide a fascinating subplot. Chile traditionally pride themselves on set-piece strength, and the Junior Bok front row, with Jooste earning just his second start, will face a stern examination.
In the loose, captain Khosa must lead by example, setting the tone at the breakdown and ensuring South Africa maintain continuity in attack and aggression in defence.
And across the backline, players like Felix, Mehlomakulu, and Jansen have golden opportunities to showcase their skills on home soil in front of selectors who’ll be taking copious notes.Felix was a standout performer in the Cravewneek and for his alma mater Grey College in 2024.
Starting XV:
15. Alzeadon Felix
14. Jade Muller
13. Olunje Mehlomakulu
12. Pieter van der Merwe
11. Lindsey Jansen
10. Vusi Moyo
9. Jayden Brits
8. Vuyo Gwiji
7. Gert Kemp
6. Risima Khosa (captain)
5. JD Hattingh
4. Jaythen Orange
3. Luan van der Berg
2. Mahle Sithole
- Jordan Jooste
Replacements:
16. Altus Rabe
17. Kai Pratt
18. Bongani Dlamini
19. Thomas Beling
20. Quintin Potgieter
21. Jandrian Goosen
22. Junaide Stuart
23. Akhahluwa Boqwana
SA Rugby Under-20 International Series
Match 2: Junior Springboks vs Chile
Venue: Rondebosch Boys’ High School, Cape Town
Date: Thursday
Kick-off: 15h00
Broadcast: Live on YouTube
