The Junior Springboks are 80 minutes away from rugby immortality.
Standing between South Africa and back-to-back World Rugby Under-20 Championship titles is a battle-hardened French side. Standing inside the Junior Bok camp is an unshakeable belief that brotherhood can conquer anything.
Flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed, better known as ‘The Chef’ since his Wynberg Boys’ High School days, is hoping to serve one final feast in Tbilisi on Saturday evening. The nickname was earned for his ability to cook up a storm, on a rugby field.
With ball in hand he can dish up anything on the menu that an international flyhalf needs to offer. He not only controls a game with slick kicking and passing, but has ability to slice through defensive lines with the precision of a master chef wielding a razor-sharp knife.
The 19-year-old Stormers playmaker says the Junior Boks’ biggest strength has little to do with dazzling attack or bone-rattling defence. It is the culture created by a united squad and a dedicated management team.
“Our coaching staff and medical team have been awesome in preparing us, not only for this match, but for the entire time that we’ve been together,” Ahmed said.
“They make it a really good environment for us, and all the boys are so focused and disciplined in their preparation and recovery.”
Ahmed says every player has bought into the same mission, whether selected to play or not.
“It is really a team effort every day that we spend together. Those who are not in the team help the coaches prepare the guys who are playing.
“We motivate and push each other, and we keep learning and improving with each session, whether that’s a training session or a technical meeting.”
‘The Chef’ Cooks Up a Storm – Yaqeen Ahmed Joins Stormers’ Next Generation
With France standing between South Africa and another world crown, Ahmed knows there is only one job left.
“We have 80 minutes left of this campaign, and we will give it our absolute best. Personally, I’m very grateful to be here as part of this group representing our country and the Junior Boks.”
Junior Springbok captain Siphosethu Mnebele, preparing for his second World Rugby Under-20 Championship, echoed coach Kevin Foote’s message that the team has remained firmly grounded despite the magnitude of the occasion.
“We are well prepared for the final match, and we are all excited to represent South Africa in the final,” said the dynamic hooker.
“This is a new group, essentially, and our focus is only on the game and nothing else.
“Our focus is to be ready to take on a very good French side who have demonstrated their abilities by reaching the final.”
The Junior Boks will also carry extra emotion into the decider.
The players will wear black armbands in memory of former South African Under-18 prop Luqobo Makwedini, who passed away on 10 July after collapsing at the end of a training session with his French club, AS Béziers Hérault.
For the young Springboks, Saturday’s final is about far more than silverware. It is an opportunity to honour one of their own, represent their country with pride and prove that a united team can conquer the biggest stage in junior rugby.
France U20: 15 Axel Guillaud, 14 Paul Zwiler, 13 Adrien Drault, 12 Bastien Rasal, 11 Melvyn Rates, 10 Luka Keletaona, 9 Baptiste Tilloles, 8 Elyjah Ibsaiene, 7 Lucas Andjisseramatchi (captain), 6 Raphael Audebert, 5 Romeo Bonnard Martin, 4 Baptiste Veschambre, 3 Alexandre Langlois, 2 Gabin Garault, 1 Matheo Frisach.
Replacements: 16 Elia Masi, 17 Edouard Jabea Njocke, 18 Mael Turpin, 19 Leo Michaux, 20 Bobby Bissu, 21 Valentin Hutteau, 22 Diego Jurd, 23 Hugo Avogardo.
South Africa U20: 15 Alzeadon Felix, 14 Cheswill Jooste, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Ethan Adams, 11 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Hendré Schoeman, 8 Wasi Vyambwera, 7 Luke Cannon, 6 Risima Khosa, 5 JD Hattingh, 4 Heinrich Theron, 3 Danie Kruger, 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele (captain), 1 Oliver Reid.
Replacements: 16 Liam van Wyk, 17 Rambo Kubheka, 18 Luan van der Berg, 19 Jaythen Orange, 20 Thomas Beling, 21 Gert Kemp, 22 Jayden Brits, 23 Samuel Badenhorst.
Referee: Reuben Keane (Australia)
Assistant referees: George Selwood (England), Gonzalo de Achaval (Argentina)
TMO: Paulo Duarte (Portugal)
