The Junior Springboks are ready to light up Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium this Thursday as they kick off their U20 Rugby Championship campaign against a gritty Argentine side in what promises to be a bruising showdown.
Head coach Kevin Foote has named a dynamic and well-balanced squad for South Africa’s opening clash, with the electrifying Gino Cupido set to bring his sevens pace to the left wing. Cupido, fresh off his Blitzbok debut in Hong Kong, is one of several exciting backline threats in a team captained by the hard-hitting lock Riley Norton.
The match forms the second part of a mouth-watering double-header in Gqeberha, following the tournament opener between defending champs New Zealand and arch-rivals Australia.
Familiar Foes Return
South Africa will be looking to repeat their dramatic win over Argentina from last year’s inaugural edition of the U20 Championship, when a last-gasp penalty from Philip-Albert van Niekerk sealed a nail-biting 30–28 victory in Australia.
Foote isn’t taking the Pumitas lightly.
“We’ve done our homework. Argentina bring immense passion, strong set-piece work and thrive in the contact zone,” Foote said. “They’re physical, they’re proud, and they’re hungry – exactly the type of team you want to test yourself against.”
A Blended Lineup of Youth and Experience
While Cupido’s inclusion adds flair out wide, the Junior Boks will lean on the experience of returning squad members like Wandile Mlaba, who starts at No. 8, and Haashim Pead, who returns from injury to slot in at scrumhalf.
There’s also a debut start for 2024 SA Schools and SA U18 captain Sethu Mnebelele, anchoring the front row at hooker.
The Junior Boks’ midfield sees Albie Bester and Demitre Erasmus form a powerful centre combination, while Cheswill Jooste adds pace on the wing and Kyle Smith steers the ship at flyhalf.
On the bench, expect serious impact from JC Mars, a pacey outside back from the Stormers setup, and Batho Hlekani, a Sharks forward known for his physicality and versatility.
“Squad selection for this opener wasn’t easy,” admitted Foote. “We’ve got so much talent in the group, and that’s a great position to be in. We’ve opted for a relatively settled pack, with just one change from our last warm-up against Hamilton’s. Riley Norton is back from a knock, and he brings leadership and physical presence.”
The Bigger Picture
The U20 Rugby Championship offers South Africa’s next generation of rugby stars the perfect platform to test themselves against international peers. With just three round-robin matches to impress, every minute on the park counts – especially in a tight competition where margins are razor-thin.
“This is a massive tournament for our boys,” said Foote. “Not only are they playing for the green and gold, but they’re also laying down markers for future senior honours.”
Fixtures at a Glance – Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Thursday, 1 May
🕑 2:00pm – New Zealand vs Australia
🕓 4:10pm – Junior Springboks vs Argentina
Tuesday, 6 May
🕑 2:00pm – New Zealand vs Argentina
🕓 4:10pm – Junior Springboks vs Australia
Sunday, 11 May
🕑 2:00pm – Argentina vs Australia
🕓 4:10pm – Junior Springboks vs New Zealand
Junior Springboks Starting XV:
15 Gilermo Mentoe
14 Cheswill Jooste
13 Demitre Erasmus
12 Albie Bester
11 Gino Cupido
10 Kyle Smith
9 Haashim Pead
8 Wandile Mlaba
7 Matt Romao
6 Thando Biyela
5 JJ Theron
4 Riley Norton (c)
3 Simphiwe Ngobese
2 Sethu Mnebelele
1 Oliver Reid
Replacements:
16 Juandre Erasmus, 17 Ranon Fouche, 18 JD Erasmus, 19 Morne Visser, 20 Batho Hlekani, 21 Ceano Everson, 22 Vusi Moyo, 23 JC Mars
