{"id":297923,"date":"2026-04-24T16:57:02","date_gmt":"2026-04-24T14:57:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/peexpress\/?p=297923"},"modified":"2026-06-11T17:02:57","modified_gmt":"2026-06-11T15:02:57","slug":"junior-boks-lean-on-depth-physical-edge-ahead-of-argentina-clash","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/peexpress\/junior-boks-lean-on-depth-physical-edge-ahead-of-argentina-clash\/","title":{"rendered":"Junior Boks lean on depth, physical edge ahead of Argentina clash"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

GQEBERHA <\/strong>– 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“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.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The starting XV sees Alzeadon Felix at fullback, with Yaqeen Ahmed steering play at fly-half and Hendr\u00e9 Schoeman at scrum-half. In midfield, Samuel Badenhorst partners Ethan Adams, while captain Riley Norton anchors the pack from lock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Norton backed Badenhorst’s inclusion, highlighting both familiarity and physical presence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“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.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Foote added that enforced changes have tested the squad’s depth but also reinforced confidence in the system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“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.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond individual selections, Foote pointed to long-term planning as the foundation of the Junior Boks’ depth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

“We track players from school level and work closely with unions. The system ensures smooth transitions, and players are ready when opportunities come.”<\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“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.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“These matches help build combinations and ensure the squad gels,” said Foote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For ticket purchases, visit their Ticketmaster<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ:<\/strong> Junior Boks set to impose physical game plan as U20 Championship returns to Gqeberha<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Junior Springbok side to take on Argentina U20 in Gqeberha:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. \u2060Alzeadon Felix<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. \u2060Jack Benade<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. \u2060Samuel Badenhorst<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. \u2060Ethan Adams<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. \u2060Lindsey Jansen<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. \u2060Yaqeen Ahmed<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. \u2060Hendr\u00e9 Schoeman<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. \u2060Kebotile Maake<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. \u2060Thomas Beling<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  10. \u2060Luke Canon<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  11. \u2060Riley Norton (captain)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  12. \u2060Heinrich Theron<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  13. \u2060Danie Kruger<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  14. \u2060Liam van Wyk<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  15. Rambo Kubheka<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Replacements<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. \u2060Mahle Sithole<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. \u2060Oliver Reid<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. \u2060Kai Pratt<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. \u2060JD Hattingh<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    5. \u2060Risima Khosa<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    6. \u2060Jayden Brits<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    7. Vusi Moyo<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    8. \u2060Khuthadzo Rasivhaga<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Monday, 27 April
      14h00: New Zealand v Australia
      16h10: Junior Boks v Argentina<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Sunday, 3 May
      14h00: New Zealand v Argentina
      16h10: Junior Boks v Australia<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Saturday, 9 May
      14h00: Argentina v Australia
      16h10: Junior Boks v New Zealand<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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