The Junior Springboks will head into Monday’s World Rugby U20 Championship semi-final against England with four changes to the starting XV as coach Kevin Foote freshens his unbeaten side for a place in the final.
Foote has made two changes in the forwards and two in the backline following South Africa’s victory over Wales in their final Pool A match in Tbilisi.
Kebotile Maake starts at openside flank, with Luke Cannon shifting to the blindside and Gert Kemp taking over at No 8. Risima Khosa drops to the bench, while Vujo Gwiji misses out.
In the backline, Markus Muller returns at outside centre in place of Samuel Badenhorst, while fullback Luan Giliomee is back after completing the return-to-play protocols following a head injury assessment. Alzeadon Felix provides backline cover from the bench.
Knock-out time in Georgia. The #JuniorBoks have named their team to face England in the #JuniorWorldChampionship semi-final on Monday evening – more here: https://t.co/OdLQBqqAgx ✅#JourneyToGreatness pic.twitter.com/v9e2XMGOwy
— SA Junior Rugby (@SAJuniorRugby) July 11, 2026
Foote has also opted for a six-two split among the replacements, signalling the physical battle he expects against an England side that also arrives unbeaten after winning all three of its pool matches.
“We’ve made some rotational changes to the squad, mindful that we had an extra day for recovery, which came at the right time after three pool matches in a relatively short period,” Foote said.
“We have selected what we believe is an exciting team and a combination best suited to our game model against a very good England side.”
England’s record has not escaped the Junior Bok coach’s attention.
“England have shown their quality by winning all three of their pool games,” Foote said.
“They have a strong and successful history in this competition and will be highly motivated for this match. We have prepared well, and now it’s about executing our plan.”
Foote believes his players understand the significance of the occasion.
“These young men love representing this team and playing for South Africa. We are grateful to represent our country and are excited about the challenge that awaits us on Monday.”
The semi-final kicks off at 18:30 (SA time) at Avchala Stadium in Tbilisi and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
Junior Springbok team: 1. Oliver Reid 2. Siphosethu Mnebelele (captain) 3. Danie Kruger 4. Heinrich Theron 5. JD Hattingh 6. Kebotile Maake 7. Luke Cannon 8. Gert Kemp 9. Hendré Schoeman 10. Yaqeen Ahmed 11. Khuthadzo Rasivhaga 12. Ethan Adams 13. Markus Muller 14. Cheswill Jooste 15. Luan Giliomee
Replacements: 16. Liam van Wyk 17. Rambo Kubheka 18. Luan van der Berg 19. Jaythen Orange 20. Thomas Beling 21. Risima Khosa 22. Jayden Brits 23. Alzeadon Felix
Match Details
Fixture: South Africa U20 vs England U20
Date: Monday, 13 July 2026
Venue: Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi, Georgia
Kick-off: 18:30 (SA time)
Referee: Kevin Bralley (France)
TV: SuperSport
