GQEBERHA – The Junior Boks rugby team will rely on squad depth and tactical bench impact when they face Argentina U20 rugby team in their opening Rugby Championship fixture on Monday, 27 April at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha.
Head coach Kevin Foote emphasised the importance of finishing strength, naming a forward-heavy bench that includes Oliver Reid, whilst highlighting how players like Danie Kruger and Rambo Kubheka have earned their spots to counter Argentina’s powerful pack.
“We’ve selected finishers who can close out games,” Footer said. “Our front-row depth is very strong, and that will be important against a physical Argentina side.”
The starting XV sees Alzeadon Felix at fullback, with Yaqeen Ahmed steering play at fly-half and Hendré Schoeman at scrum-half. In midfield, Samuel Badenhorst partners Ethan Adams, while captain Riley Norton anchors the pack from lock.
Norton backed Badenhorst’s inclusion, highlighting both familiarity and physical presence.
“We’ve played together for a long time,” Norton said. “He brings physicality and energy, and he’s shown in Varsity Cup and training that he’s ready for this level.”
Foote added that enforced changes have tested the squad’s depth but also reinforced confidence in the system.
“It shows the quality we have in South Africa. When players are unavailable, others step in and perform, and those selections are based on merit.”
The return of Vusi Moyo from rehabilitation provides an additional boost to the backline, while Ahmed’s goal-kicking form, including a flawless outing in Georgia, offers further assurance in tight contests.
Beyond individual selections, Foote pointed to long-term planning as the foundation of the Junior Boks’ depth.
“We track players from school level and work closely with unions. The system ensures smooth transitions, and players are ready when opportunities come.”
South Africa enter the tournament as reigning world champions; however, they have yet to win the U20 Rugby Championship, a fact that has not gone unnoticed within the squad.
“Our goal is to win the tournament,” Norton said. “However, we’re focused on taking it one game at a time. Argentina will test us physically, and that’s important preparation for what lies ahead.”
Preparation has included a series of international and domestic fixtures, from tours against France and Ireland to Varsity Cup and U23 matches, all contributing to cohesion within the group.
“These matches help build combinations and ensure the squad gels,” said Foote.
With a balanced squad, proven pathways and a clear tactical approach, the Junior Boks will look to assert themselves early, knowing that their ability to match Argentina’s physicality and finish strongly could define their campaign.
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Junior Springbok side to take on Argentina U20 in Gqeberha:
- Alzeadon Felix
- Jack Benade
- Samuel Badenhorst
- Ethan Adams
- Lindsey Jansen
- Yaqeen Ahmed
- Hendré Schoeman
- Kebotile Maake
- Thomas Beling
- Luke Canon
- Riley Norton (captain)
- Heinrich Theron
- Danie Kruger
- Liam van Wyk
- Rambo Kubheka
Replacements
- Mahle Sithole
- Oliver Reid
- Kai Pratt
- JD Hattingh
- Risima Khosa
- Jayden Brits
- Vusi Moyo
- Khuthadzo Rasivhaga
Monday, 27 April
14h00: New Zealand v Australia
16h10: Junior Boks v Argentina
Sunday, 3 May
14h00: New Zealand v Argentina
16h10: Junior Boks v Australia
Saturday, 9 May
14h00: Argentina v Australia
16h10: Junior Boks v New Zealand
