Flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed has been in brilliant form for the Junior Springboks so far in the U20 Rugby Championship, and could once again prove instrumental in keepin the attack ticking over against the Junior All Blacks on Saturday.
Image: @SAJuniorRugby
The Junior Springboks will head into Saturday’s decisive U20 Rugby Championship clash against New Zealand with continuity and confidence on their side after coach Kevin Foote resisted the urge to tinker with a winning formula.
Foote named an almost unchanged matchday squad for the tournament finale at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, making just one change on the replacements bench as loose forward Risima Khosa returns in place of Gert Kemp.
The selection underlines the faith the coaching staff have placed in a side that has impressed in the opening two rounds and now stands on the brink of history.
South Africa lead the standings on 10 points after bonus-point wins against Argentina and the Wallabies, and need only a single log point against the Kiwis to clinch the U20 Rugby Championship title for the first time.
But while the selection reflects stability, Foote stressed that the focus inside the camp has been on growth rather than permutations or silverware.
“The guys have responded really well,” Foote said. “Even after the confusion around points earlier in the week, it wasn’t something in our control. Our focus is to come here and play well for three games and keep getting better.”
Despite New Zealand suffering a surprise defeat to Argentina last weekend, Foote expects another fierce contest.
"Obviously they're gonna be hurting and New Zealand is a very proud of rugby nation and I know what the All Black jersey means to them. So we expect a lot of fire in the contact,” said Foote.
"We think that when the Haka comes they're going to lay down their statement and we'll respond accordingly. So I think it's going to be very physical. Both teams play an exciting brand of rugby so it will be a great spectacle."
He added that discipline and accuracy would likely decide the contest, particularly given the intensity both sides are expected to bring.
Captain Riley Norton echoed the sentiment, highlighting the emotional and developmental significance of the fixture.
"It’s crucial. Training helps, but playing high-pressure games is what develops you. The TRC gives us that exposure, and it prepares us properly for the Under-20 World Cup. We’re getting the kind of preparation we didn’t always have in the past.”
More than 20,000 fans have already attended matches at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium during the tournament, creating what Foote described as a “unique energy” in Gqeberha.
“We’ve felt the passion since arriving,” he said. “The people here have been outstanding hosts and we want to repay that with a strong performance.”
Saturday's match at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium kicks off at 4.10pm.
Junior Springbok team to face New Zealand in Gqeberha:
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 (capt), 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 Risima Khosa, 21 Jayden Brits, 22 Vusi Moyo, 23 Jade Muller.