The Junior Springboks are tightening their laces for another bruising 80-minute arm wrestle, with head coach Kevin Foote making calculated rotational tweaks ahead of Sunday’s U20 Rugby Championship clash against Australia in Gqeberha.
Kick-off at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is set for 16h10 on Sunday, 3 May 2026, following the earlier duel between New Zealand and Argentina at 14h00, with the coastal venue once again primed to rumble like a packed scrum.
Foote has opted for continuity up front, making a single adjustment to the starting pack that powered past Argentina in the opening round. Wasi Vyambwera slots in on the blindside flank, adding fresh ballast to a loose trio expected to hit breakdowns with the force of a driving maul.
Out wide, the backline sees a reshuffle. Khuthadzo Rasivhaga earns the left wing jersey, while Akahluwa Boqwana steps into the fullback role, both players handed an opportunity to inject pace and attacking spark into a back three tasked with slicing through Australia’s defensive line.
On the bench, Luan van der Berg comes in as front-row cover following an injury to Kai Pratt, while Gert Kemp and Jade Muller provide loose forward and outside back reinforcement respectively.
Rotational tweaks for Sunday's #TRCU20 clash against Australia, catch the action live on @SSRugby – more here: https://t.co/qjbQfdfxX3 🔁
Tickets from R35 here: https://t.co/8uUeQNVXbo 🎟️#JuniorBoks #JourneyToGreatness pic.twitter.com/RtcTmmcj4T
— SA Junior Rugby (@SAJuniorRugby) May 1, 2026
Foote said the week’s preparation had been as focused as a goal-kicker lining up a match-winning penalty.
“We had a really good review of our performance against Argentina and, while we are very pleased with the result and the way the players performed on defence and attack for long periods of the match, there are obviously aspects of our game that need improvement,” said Foote.
The coach emphasised the importance of consistency across the full match, with Australia expected to arrive like a rolling maul that refuses to be stopped.
“Our focus is playing the full 80 minutes and ensuring that we stay on our game model to meet what will be a huge challenge against an Australian side that is well coached and who boasts strong skill sets across the park.”
The return to Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium has injected further energy into the squad, with the Eastern Cape crowd proving to be a powerful ally.
“The support we received against Argentina last week was absolutely fantastic, and we are excited to be playing in front of the passionate Eastern Cape rugby fans once again,” Foote added.
With confidence in their carry and intent at the breakdown, the Junior Boks will look to turn territory into points and keep their championship charge on track against a dangerous Australian outfit.
Junior Springboks Starting XV:
15 Akahluwa Boqwana, 14 Jack Benade, 13 Samuel Badenhorst, 12 Ethan Adams, 11 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Hendré Schoeman, 8 Kebotile Maake, 7 Wasi Vyambwera, 6 Luke Canon, 5 Riley Norton (captain), 4 Heinrich Theron, 3 Danie Kruger, 2 Liam van Wyk, 1 Rambo Kubheka
Replacements:
16 Mahle Sithole, 17 Oliver Reid, 18 Luan van der Berg, 19 JD Hattingh, 20 Gert Kemp, 21 Jayden Brits, 22 Vusi Moyo, 23 Jade Muller
