Foote rotates Junior Bok side for Georgian showdown

Kevin Foote, head coach of the Junior Springboks, made significant rotational changes to his team ahead of Thursday’s second-round Junior World Championship match against the hosts, Georgia, in Tbilisi. This Pool A encounter kicked off at 18h30 (SA time) and was broadcast live on SuperSport.

Foote retained only four players from the starting lineup that secured a convincing victory over Uruguay last Saturday. Among these, two players shifted positions for the match against Georgia. Forward JD Hattingh remained the only player to earn a consecutive starting spot, while backs Hendré Schoeman, Luan Giliomee, and Markus Muller kept their positions in the starting squad. Giliomee, who began at fullback against Uruguay, moved to flyhalf for the next encounter, and Muller started at inside centre.

Regular captain Siphosethu Mnebelele returned to his starting position at hooker, where he packed down between prop Oliver Reid and Danie Kruger. Hattingh and Heinrich Theron were named as locks, while the loose forwards included flankers Wasi Vyambwera and Luke Cannon, with Kebotile Maake positioned at No 8.

In the backline, Jack Benade played on the left wing, while Samuel Badenhorst and Muller formed the midfield. Cheswill Jooste started on the right wing, and Akahluwa Boqwana took the fullback role. The replacements bench featured Liam van Wyk (hooker), Rambo Kubheka and Luan van der Berg (props), Jaythen Orange (lock), Risima Khosa (loose forward), Jayden Brits (scrumhalf), Jordan Steenkamp (wing), and Alzeadon Felix (utility back).

Foote stated that the rotation was planned, especially considering the quick turnaround between pool matches: "We are fortunate to have a quality squad that has played together several times already this year. Player load management is one of the key aspects of a tournament of this nature, and squad rotation plays a very important role in that regard."

Although Foote was pleased with the team’s performance against Uruguay, he noted that the review identified several areas needing enhancement. "We were very happy with Saturday’s win, but after a thorough review of our performance against Uruguay, there are a few areas we are targeting to improve," he commented.

Foote acknowledged Georgia’s strength as a set-piece team and anticipated a spirited performance from the hosts on Thursday, noting, "They are a proud and passionate rugby nation and will be disappointed after that narrow loss to Wales, so we will need to be ready mentally and physically for the challenge they will bring. They will also have a passionate home crowd behind them, which will make it a very tough contest."

Junior Springbok team to face Georgia in Tbilisi:
15 Akahluwa Boqwana (Vodacom Bulls)
14 Cheswill Jooste (Vodacom Bulls)
13 Samuel Badenhorst (DHL Stormers)
12 Markus Muller (DHL Stormers)
11 Jack Benade (DHL Stormers)
10 Luan Giliomee (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
9 Hendré Schoeman (Vodacom Bulls)
8 Kebotile Maake (Vodacom Bulls)
7 Luke Cannon (Fidelity Securedrive Lions)
6 Wasi Vyambwera (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
5 JD Hattingh (Fidelity Securedrive Lions)
4 Heinrich Theron (Vodacom Bulls)
3 Danie Kruger (DHL Stormers)
2 Siphosethu Mnebelele (captain, Vodacom Bulls)
1 Oliver Reid (DHL Stormers)

Replacements:
16 Liam van Wyk (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
17 Rambo Kubheka (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
18 Luan van der Berg (Vodacom Bulls)
19 Jaythen Orange (Fidelity Securedrive Lions)
20 Risima Khosa (Fidelity Securedrive Lions)
21 Jayden Brits (DHL Stormers)
22 Jordan Steenkamp (DHL Stormers)
23 Alzeadon Felix (Fidelity Securedrive Lions)

Match information:
Date: Thursday, 2 July 2026
Venue: Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi (Georgia)
Kick-off: 18h30 (SA time)
Referee: Morgan White (Hong Kong, China)