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Junior Boks kick off new era with Gqeberha clash v Argentina

football30 April 2025 10:50
By:Brenden Nel
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Rugby Championship under-20 Gallo Images

The future of Springbok rugby will be firmly on display as a new era kicks off on Thursday with the Rugby Championship under-20 tournament in full swing at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.

After an unsuccessful campaign last year and a poor performance in the World Rugby Junior World Championship, plenty has been invested in the Junior Boks for their campaign this year and this will be the first chance to see if any of that has paid off.

The introduction of former Ikeys, Western Force and Melbourne Rebels coach Kevin Foote as head coach for the team, as well as the recruitment of Johan Ackermann as a consultant has done wonders to stir up enthusiasm that something special is brewing, as the future stars of Bok rugby get their chance to shine.

The fact that the tournament has been taken away from the normal muddy fields of Cape Town is also a plus, with the beautiful Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium set to give a lesson in running rugby with a fast outfield that will allow teams to express themselves.

The Junior Boks won’t have it easy - the three other teams are all looking for the same outcome: good performances, momentum and a trophy to take the bragging rights into the Junior World Championship at the end of June in Italy.

TOUGH ENCOUNTER

And to kick off they have a tough encounter against Los Pumitas, or Argentina under-20, as they are more traditionally known. The young Pumitas team beat the Junior Boks twice last season and ended their World Championship run, so there will be plenty to play for when the two teams meet on Thursday in the main game.

Foote has chosen an exciting Junior Boks squad that includes the likes of Wandile Mlaba, who played last year, as well as 2024 SA Schools captain Sethu Mnebelele. Blitzbok Gino Cupido, who recently made such an impression in his debut for the Sevens team in Singapore, is on the one wing, with Cheswill Jooste on the other.

The Junior Boks side are well-balanced and have been working for months to be ready for their opening game, with Foote adding that the selection was a difficult one.

“Our squad selection for this first game was difficult because there are so many talented guys, which speaks volumes about our depth,” said Foote. “We've decided on a more settled pack – there's only one change in the pack from our last training match against Hamilton’s, with our captain, Riley Norton, coming into the starting line-up after a slight injury.”

“We’ve done our homework and know what Argentina is going to bring to the game. We understand and respect their passion, and they are also looking forward to this opportunity to play for their country. We have a lot of respect for the Argentinians around their contact and set play, and we are looking forward to playing against them.”

PHYSICAL BATTLE

Foote is no stranger to what to expect and is gearing up for a massive forward battle against Los Pumitas.

“It always comes down to the scrum, lineout, and maul,” said Foote.

“We know they will be physical, and playing for their country is a significant opportunity for them since they don't get to play many games. Heading into the World Rugby U20 Championship, there will be a real hunger and desire from Argentina.

“They are very good when the ball gets loose, with exciting outside backs that are a real threat. We understand from our game management plan how we want to play; we aim to be direct and match their physicality and passion.”

Nicolás Fernández Miranda, head coach of Los Pumitas said the team had a challenging trip to South Africa, but were ready for the challenge.

“The truth is that we're doing well. We had a long three-day trip due to a problem with the plane in São Paulo, but well, that really helped us a lot as a group and for the guys to be together, share a lot and take that moment in a very good way, with great camaraderie and helping a lot.”

SETTLED KIWIS V BALANCED AUSSIES

The earlier game will see traditional rivals Australia and New Zealand face off.

New Zealand are bolstered by several key players that took them to the 2024 final, including hooker Manumaua Letiu, a try-scorer in last year’s decider, who will lead the side into battle this year.

Two players to watch out for are Rico Simpson and Stanley Solomon, both of whom played pivotal roles in the previous tournament. Another key element will be the loose forward trio of Xavier Treacy, Aio Keith, and Mosese Bason who have been impressive for the young Kiwi side.

Australia have named a balanced side for the clash.

Rugby Championship U20 Fixtures (Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium):

Thursday, 1 May

2pm: New Zealand v Australia

4:10pm: Junior Boks v Argentina

Tuesday, 6 May

2pm: New Zealand v Argentina

4:10pm: Junior Boks v Australia

Sunday, 11 May

2pm: Argentina v Australia

4:10pm: Junior Boks v New Zealand

Teams

South Africa: Gilermo Mentoe; Cheswill Jooste, Demitre Erasmus, Albie Bester, Gino Cupido; Kyle Smith, Haashim Pead; Wandile Mlaba, Matt Romai, Thando Biyela, JJ Theron, Riley Norton (captain), Simphiwe Ngobese, Sethu Mnebelele, Oliver Reid.

Replacements: Juandre Schoeman, Ranon Fouche, JD Erasmus, Morne Venter, Batho Hlekani, Ceano Everson, Vusi Moyo, JC Mars.

Argentina: Pascal Senillosa, Bautista, Lescano, Pedro Coll, Felipe Ledesma, Aquiles Vieyra; Rafael, Benefit, Jeronimo Llorens; Agustin Garcia Campos, Tomas Dande, Santiago Neyra, Tomas Duclos, Alvaro Garcia Iandolino, Gael Galvan, Tadeo Ledesma Arocena, Juan Ignacio Rodriguez.

Replacements: Jeronimo Otano, Diego Correa, Valentin Vicente Vidal, Alejandro Neighborhoods, Pampa Story, Jeronimo Sorondo, Felix Corleto, Ramon Fernandez Miranda.

New Zealand v Australia

New Zealand: Stanley Solomon, Maloni Kunawave, Cooper Roberts, Jack Wiseman, Harlyn Saunoa; Rico Simpson, Dylan Pledger; Mosese Bason, Aio Keith, Xavier Treacy, Josh Tengblad, Randall Baker, Robson Faleafa, Manumaua Letiu (captain), Sika Pole.

Replacements: Eli Oudenryn, Tamiano Ahloo, Dane Johnston, Dylan Eti, Micah Fale, Charlie Sinton, Will cole, David Lewai.

Australia: Shane Wilcox; Cooper Watter, Liam Grover, Boston Fakafanua, Sid Harvey; Joey Fowler, Hwi Sharples; Beau Morrison, Eli Langi, Jacob Veiru, Joe Mangelsdorf, Eamon Doyle (captain), Kaleb Ah-Colt, Ollie Barrett, Finn Baxter.

Replacements: Lipina Ata, Trevor King, Nick Hill, Charlie Brosnan, Toby Brial, James Martens, Joe Dillon, Nick Conway.

 

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