The battlefield is set, the warriors are ready, and under the leadership of dual-sport prodigy Riley Norton, the Junior Springboks are primed to launch their 2025 Rugby Championship U20 campaign with fire and fury against Argentina at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Thursday.
The clash kicks off at 16h10, following an explosive curtain-raiser between traditional foes New Zealand and Australia at 14h00, the perfect double-header to ignite the tournament.
Coach Kevin Foote has selected a matchday 23 brimming with x-factor and steel. At the heart of the forward pack is Norton, a former SA U18 rugby lock and national age-group cricketer whose return from injury is a timely boost.
In the backline, electric wing duo Gino Cupido; fresh off a Blitzbok debut and Cheswill Jooste promise fireworks out wide, while Kyle Smith pulls the strings at flyhalf. The experienced Haashim Pead returns at scrumhalf, giving the side a calm general at the base of the ruck.
“Our preparation has been full of energy and focus,” said Foote. “What’s impressed me most is the joy these players show in training, they’re not just ready, they’re hungry.”
Selection headaches were a testament to the squad’s depth. “It wasn’t easy picking this group. We’ve gone with a largely settled forward pack for continuity, and our backs give us firepower across the park,” added Foote.
Among the impact subs are Batho Hlekani, a dynamic utility forward, and JC Mars, a lethal outside back ready to inject speed and flair late in the game.
But Foote is under no illusions about the challenge ahead.
“Argentina are warriors: passionate, physical, and proud. We’ve studied their play and we’re ready for a battle. But we back ourselves, and we’re here to fly the flag high for South Africa.”
With tickets priced at just R20, a passionate home crowd is expected to roar the Junior Boks on as they chase glory in front of their people.
Junior Springbok Matchday Squad vs Argentina (1 May, 16h10, Local Time)
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha
Starting XV (Alma Mata in Brackets)
15) Gilermo Mentoe (Bishops)
14) Cheswill Jooste (Noordheuwel)
13) Demitre Erasmus (Garsfontein)
12) Albie Bester (Boland Landbou)
11) Gino Cupido (Strand)
10) Kyle Smith (Paarl Gim)
9) Haashim Pead (Bishops)
8) Wandile Mlaba (Michaelhouse)
7) Matt Romao (Drostdy)
6) Thando Biyela (KES)
5) JJ Theron (Grey College)
4) Riley Norton (Paul Roos)
3) Simphiwe Ngobese (DHS)
2) Sethu Mnebelele (KES)
1) Oliver Reid (Paul Roos)
16) Juandre Schoeman (Noordheuwel)
17) Ranon Fouche (Grey College)
18) Jean Erasmus (Grey College)
19) Morne Venter (Monument)
20) Batho Hlekani (Graeme)
21) Ceano Everson (Monument)
22) Vusi Moyo (KES)
23) JC Mars (Paarl Boys)
Remaining Fixtures (Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium):
Tuesday, 6 May
14h00 – New Zealand vs Argentina
16h10 – Junior Boks vs Australia
Sunday, 11 May
14h00 – Argentina vs Australia
16h10 – Junior Boks vs New Zealand
