The Junior Springboks will step into their 2026 Under-20 Rugby Championship opener with a playmaker who thrives on turning pressure into artistry, as Yaqeen Ahmed prepares to orchestrate the attack against Argentina’s Los Pumitas in Gqeberha on Monday.
Known in schoolboy and provincial circles as “The Chef”, the Wynberg Boys’ High and Stormers flyhalf has built a reputation for cooking up chaos in opposition backlines. With a deft boot, sharp decision-making and vision that slices through defensive lines like a perfectly timed offload, Ahmed now takes charge of a new kitchen, steering the Junior Boks at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Kick-off is at 16h10, with the match broadcast live on SuperSport, and expectations simmering around a side blending proven pedigree with rising promise.
Captain Riley Norton, who guided South Africa to World Championship glory in Italy last year, anchors the pack and provides leadership forged in high-pressure moments. Around him, a forward unit led by Rambo Kubheka and Liam van Wyk is primed to lay the platform for Ahmed to dictate the tempo.
Junior Bok coach Kevin Foote expects a bruising encounter against a side renowned for its edge at the collision and discipline at set piece.
“They are known for their physicality and their solid set piece, so we know we will have to steady ourselves for a very tough contest,” said Foote.
“Our recent contests have been very close – they played exceptionally well against us in this tournament last year, and we had to dig very deep to overcome them in the semi-final of the World Championship last year in Italy.”
Ahmed’s partnership with scrumhalf Hendré Schoeman will be central to South Africa’s attacking rhythm. Where Schoeman provides quick service and tempo, Ahmed adds the seasoning, varying the point of attack and probing for space with a mix of tactical kicks and flat passing.
Out wide, Varsity Cup standout Jack Benade and Lindsey Jansen offer finishing bite, while the midfield pairing of Ethan Adams and Samuel Badenhorst is built to punch holes and create front-foot ball. At fullback, Alzeadon Felix completes a back three capable of striking from deep.
Foote believes the match will be played at a relentless pace, with both sides eager to keep the ball alive.
“Argentina, like the other southern hemisphere sides, prefer a high-tempo game with plenty of ball in play,” he said.
“They are a battle-hardened, tenacious outfit, and we will have to work extremely hard throughout the contest if we want to impose ourselves.
“Our DNA is our physicality, and we are looking forward to playing an exciting brand of rugby.”
The Junior Boks will be without several players due to injury and senior commitments, though the depth within the squad ensures the system remains intact. From the bench, Vusi Moyo offers additional playmaking cover, adding another layer of creativity should the game open up.
Earlier in the day, Australia and New Zealand will ignite the tournament, setting the tone for a competition that gathers the southern hemisphere’s brightest young talent.
For Ahmed, Monday presents a stage to translate promise into influence. If the forwards provide clean ball and momentum, “The Chef” will have the ingredients to serve a performance rich in invention and precision, one capable of unsettling even the most organised defence.
Junior Springbok team vs Argentina U20
Starting XV
15. Alzeadon Felix, 14. Jack Benade, 13. Samuel Badenhorst, 12. Ethan Adams, 11. Lindsey Jansen, 10. Yaqeen Ahmed, 9. Hendré Schoeman, 8. Kebotile Maake, 7. Thomas Beling, 6. Luke Canon, 5. Riley Norton (c), 4. Heinrich Theron, 3. Danie Kruger, 2. Liam van Wyk, 1. Rambo Kubheka
Replacements
16. Mahle Sithole, 17. Oliver Reid, 18. Kai Pratt, 19. JD Hattingh, 20. Risima Khosa, 21. Jayden Brits, 22. Vusi Moyo, 23. Khuthadzo Rasivhaga
