Felix in for Giliomee as Junior Boks aim to go back-to-back

Alzeadon Felix has been handed the No 15 jersey after Luan Giliomee’s suspension as the Junior Springboks named their team for Saturday’s World Rugby U20 Championship final.

Giliomee was sent off in South Africa’s semi-final victory over England.

It is the only enforced change in the backline as the Junior Boks bid to become the first South African team to win back-to-back World Rugby U20 Championship titles.

Coach Kevin Foote has otherwise kept faith with the combinations that have taken the Junior Boks to a second successive final, making just three changes in total to his side to face France.

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The other alterations come in the loose trio, where Wasi Vyambwera starts at No 8 in place of Gert Kemp, who shifts to the bench, while Risima Khosa comes into the starting side at openside flank.

The experienced front row of Oliver Reid, captain Siphosethu Mnebelele and Danie Kruger remains intact, with Heinrich Theron and JD Hattingh again combining in the second row.

Luke Cannon completes the loose trio alongside Khosa and Vyambwera.

Behind the scrum, Hendré Schoeman and Yaqeen Ahmed continue their impressive halfback partnership, while Ethan Adams and Markus Muller retain their midfield places. Wings Khuthadzo Rasivhaga and Cheswill Jooste complete an exciting back three with Felix.

Foote said the squad had used the week well to prepare for what promises to be a massive challenge.

“This group has been together since the beginning of the year and they understand the way we want to play. We’ve used this week to sharpen our readiness and focus on the areas where we felt we could improve.”

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The Junior Boks’ honesty and willingness to learn has impressed the coach throughout the tournament.

“The pleasing aspect of this group is their honesty and accountability. The players are open with each other in their assessments, and together we’ve identified solutions and worked hard on those areas.

“We believe we have prepared well for what will be a massive challenge.”

Foote also praised the spirit within the squad, which is now one win away from making South African rugby history.

“The outstanding quality of this group is the bond they share and how much they enjoy representing South Africa.

“France are a very formidable side and fully deserve their place in the final. Their performances in the recent Junior World Championship and the Six Nations show that they understand how to perform when playing knockout rugby.”

Weekend teams

JUNIOR SPRINGBOKS – 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 (c), 1 Oliver Reid
Bench: 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

Photo: @SAJuniorRugby/X