The rotation keeps rolling. Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote has reshuffled his deck once again for Saturday’s final Under-20 International Series encounter against Georgia in Stellenbosch, with regular captain Riley Norton returning to lead a side showing frightening depth despite a mounting injury list.
The match at Paul Roos Gymnasium’s iconic Markötter Stadium kicks off at 14:30, with both this clash and the subsequent Chile-Fiji encounter broadcast live on YouTube for fans unable to make the trip to the Boland.
Norton is back in the starting XV after missing the opening match against Chile due to his involvement at the Springbok alignment camp, resuming the captaincy in one of several changes to the side that delivered an emphatic 82-25 demolition of Fiji on Tuesday.
Moyo’s magic continues
The most consistent presence in Foote’s rotational policy has been flyhalf Vusi Moyo, who will start his third consecutive game after a prolific showing in the opening two rounds. The young playmaker has slotted a remarkable 22 conversions and marshalled his backline with authority, topping the points-scoring charts with 44 points.
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His partnership with fullback Luan Giliomee, also retained after scoring a hat-trick against Fiji, has been one of the standout features of the Junior Boks’ attacking prowess, which has produced 23 tries across the first two matches at an average of 11.5 per game.
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Operating in the midfield alongside Moyo will be Yaqeen Ahmed and Samuel Badenhorst, both of whom excelled in the Junior Boks’ successful 2026 Rugby Championship campaign in Gqeberha a few weeks ago. Their selection comes as injuries to Markus Muller, Ethan Adams, and Christian Vorster have forced Foote into a new midfield combination.
Pack reshuffle as injuries bite
In the loose trio, Quintin Potgieter shifts to number eight whilst Luke Cannon moves to the side of the scrum, with both players retaining their starting berths. Oliver Reid, previously used off the bench, gets the nod as one of two starting props in the reshuffled front row.
Several players who had starting roles in the first two matches, including JD Hattingh (lock), Gert Kemp (loose forward), Jayden Brits (scrumhalf), Pieter van der Merwe (centre), and Alzeadon Felix (fullback), are set to make an impact from the bench against the Georgians.
But whilst rotation has been central to Foote’s planning, the Junior Boks have also been forced into changes due to mounting injury concerns. Jordan Jooste (prop), Jaythen Orange (lock), Christian Vorster (centre), and Jade Muller (wing) all sustained niggles against Fiji and were not considered for selection.
They join a lengthy casualty list that includes Esethu Mnebelele (hooker), Kai Pratt (prop), Wasi Vyambwera, Vuyo Gwiji, Risima Khosa (all loose forwards), Ethan Adams and Markus Muller (both centres), Cheswill Jooste (wing), and Zekhethelo Siyaya (fullback), all of whom are currently undergoing rehabilitation.
Squad depth proves its worth
Despite the growing list of absentees, Foote expressed confidence in his squad depth and anticipation for a physical contest against a Georgian side that has proved consistently competitive against South African age-grade teams.
“Niggles are part of the game, and we are fortunate to have built strong squad depth through our planning since coming together as a group,” said Foote.
“Although several players are unavailable due to injuries and ongoing rehabilitation, we are confident that we’ve selected a quality squad for what will be a strong challenge against a very physical Georgian outfit.”
South Africa and Georgia have developed a healthy rugby relationship in recent years. Georgia have been regular participants in the U18 International Series, whilst the Junior Boks toured the European country earlier this year for a two-match series.
Whilst the SA U20s remain unbeaten against their European counterparts, Georgia have proved consistently competitive, particularly in the forward exchanges. Foote is expecting another intense battle up front and insists the Junior Boks need to keep improving despite convincing victories over Chile and Fiji.
Eyes on junior world championship
“We want to keep reducing errors and lapses in concentration,” he said.
“We will continue to work hard on our fundamentals, which are core to our DNA; understanding and implementation of our game model; and building cohesion as we build towards the Junior World Championship.
“Our rotational selection policy sees most players who played in the U20 Rugby Championship now return for Saturday’s match. The injuries to Markus, Ethan, and Christian mean we have a new midfield combination of Yaqeen and Samuel, both of whom performed very well for us in the recent Rugby Championship.
“This match against a competitive Georgian side gives us another valuable opportunity to play in front of our home supporters, continue to build squad depth and gain important international experience.”
With 23 tries scored across the opening two matches and Moyo’s metronomic goal-kicking providing the polish, the Junior Boks have announced themselves as genuine contenders for the upcoming Junior World Championship. Saturday’s clash against Georgia offers another chance to fine-tune combinations, build depth, and prepare for the global stage.
Junior Springbok team to face Georgia:
15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Jack Benade, 13 Samuel Badenhorst, 12 Yaqeen Ahmed, 11 Khuthadzo Rashivaga, 10 Vusi Moyo, 9 Hendre Schoeman, 8 Quintin Potgieter, 7 Luke Cannon, 6 Kebotile Maake, 5 Riley Norton (captain), 4 Heinrich Theron, 3 Danie Kruger, 2 Liam van Wyk, 1 Oliver Reid.
Replacements: 16 Mahle Sithole, 17 Rambo Kubheka, 18 Luan van der Berg, 19 JD Hattingh, 20 Gert Kemp, 21 Jayden Brits, 22 Pieter van der Merwe, 23 Alzeadon Felix.
