Junior Springbok side named for JWC semi-final against England
· The South African
Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote has made four changes to his starting team for their Junior World Championship semi-final against England in Tbilisi on Monday, 13 July, as the SA U20s aim to secure a place in the tournament final.
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There are two changes in the backline and two in the forwards from the side that defeated Wales in their final Pool A encounter earlier this week in the Georgian capital.
Physical challenge
Foote has also opted for six forwards and two backs on the replacements bench, underlining the physical challenge expected from England.
In the forwards, Kebotile Maake will start at openside flanker, with Luke Cannon named on the blindside and Gert Kemp at No 8. They replace Risima Khosa, who is on the bench, and Vujo Gwiji in the loose forwards.
The backline changes see Markus Muller back at outside centre in place of Samuel Badenhorst, while Luan Giliomee returns to the starting line-up at fullback after successfully completing his head injury assessment protocols. Giliomee takes over from Alzeadon Felix, who provides backline cover from the bench.
Freshen the squad
Foote said the extra recovery day between the pool phase and semi-finals provided an opportunity to freshen up the squad ahead of a demanding encounter.
“We’ve made some rotational changes to the squad, mindful that we had an extra day for recovery, which came at the right time after three pool matches in a relatively short period,” said Foote.
“We have selected what we believe is an exciting team and a combination best suited to our game model against a very good England side.”
Unbeaten
England advanced to the semi-finals after winning all three of their pool matches and arrive unbeaten, just like the Junior Boks.
“England have shown their quality by winning all three of their pool games,” said Foote.
“They have a strong and successful history in this competition and will be highly motivated for this match. We have prepared well, and now it’s about executing our plan.
“These young men love representing this team and playing for South Africa. We are grateful to represent our country and are excited about the challenge that awaits us on Monday.”
The match starts at 18:30 (SA time) and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
France will take on New Zealand in the first semi-final at 16:00 (SA time).
Junior Springbok team to face England in Tbilisi:
15 Luan Giliomee (Hollywoodbets Sharks), 14 Cheswill Jooste (Bulls), 13 Markus Muller (Stormers), 12 Ethan Adams (Lions), 11 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga (Hollywoodbets Sharks), 10 Yaqeen Ahmed (Stormers), 9 Hendré Schoeman (Bulls), 8 Gert Kemp (Stormers), 7 Luke Cannon (Lions), 6 Kebotile Maake (Lions), 5 JD Hattingh (Lions), 4 Heinrich Theron (Bulls), 3 Danie Kruger (Stormers), 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele (captain, Bulls), 1 Oliver Reid (Stormers)
Replacements: 16 Liam van Wyk (Hollywoodbets Sharks), 17 Rambo Kubheka (Hollywoodbets Sharks), 18 Luan van der Berg (Bulls), 19 Jaythen Orange (Lions), 20 Thomas Beling (Lions), 21 Risima Khosa (Lions), 22 Jayden Brits (Stormers), 23 Alzeadon Felix (Lions)
Match information
Date: Monday, 13 July 2026
Venue: Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi (Georgia)
Kick-off: 18:30 (SA time)
Referee: Kevin Bralley (France)
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