Junior Boks kick off final preparations in Gqeberha

The Junior Springboks assembled in Gqeberha on Wednesday to begin their preparations for the Rugby Championship U20 and according to SA U20 coach Kevin Foote, they are happy to be in the Eastern Cape for the tournament, which kicks off next week at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium,

This SANZAAR tournament consists of three exciting double-headers on the three match days – 1, 6 and 11 May – and features the best young talent from South Africa, Australia, Argentina and New Zealand.

Following the SA U20s’ early morning arrival at their hotel, the players underwent their mandatory medical check-ups before their recovery session. After lunch they then had an afternoon field session on the outside field of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Reflecting on the first day of training, Foote coach expressed his satisfaction with the team's start in the Friendly City.

“When we arrived at the airport, having the dignitaries welcome us in such a warm and hospitable manner felt special and it’s a great honour,” said Foote.

“The marimba band playing with such great energy made it clear that people are very grateful to have rugby in the city at a national level.”

The Junior Bok coach highlighted the importance of clarity and alignment during the initial field session: “The big goal for us today was all about clarity and ensuring that the guys take what we learnt in those training camps (in Stellenbosch) and make sure that everybody's aligned. We're keeping things pretty simple, and we believe that our accountability piece will be important.”

According to Foote, the Junior Bok medical team have also played a crucial role in the preparations, ensuring that the players are fit and ready.

“The medical team have done a really good job, ensuring that the players are fit and we’ve got 31 really keen players ready to go. Selection will be a challenge for us now, which is a good thing,” Foote said, emphasising the importance of maintaining clarity as they finalise preparation for the much-anticipated tournament.

“The main thing is making sure that the players are calm in their clarity so we can start to connect and establish that process into the championship.”

Tickets are priced at R20 per person and will be available at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium ticket office or online from Webtickets.

Junior Springbok squad for the U20 Rugby Championship in Gqeberha

Props: Ranon Fouché (Vodacom Bulls), Jean Erasmus (Vodacom Bulls), Simphiwe Ngobese (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Herman Lubbe (DHL Western Province), Oliver Reid (DHL Western Province).

Hookers: Siphosethu Mnebelele (Vodacom Bulls), Jaundré Schoeman (Vodacom Bulls), HB Odendaal (Fidelity ADT Lions).

Locks: Neil Hansen (Fidelity ADT Lions), Morné Venter (Fidelity ADT Lions), Riley Norton (DHL Western Province), JJ Theron (Vodacom Bulls).

Loose forwards: Batho Hlekani (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Xola Nyali (DHL Western Province), Matt Romao (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Wandile Mlaba (DHL Western Province), Thando Biyela (Fidelity ADT Lions).

Scrumhalves: Ceano Everson (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Haashim Pead (Fidelity ADT Lions), Erich Visser (Toyota Cheetahs).

Flyhalves: Vusi Moyo (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Kyle Smith (DHL Western Province).

Centres: Albie Bester (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Gino Cupido (DHL Western Province), Demitre Erasmus (Vodacom Bulls), Dominic Malgas (DHL Western Province).

Outside backs: Scott Nel (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Gilermo Mentoe (Fidelity ADT Lions), Siya Ndlozi (DHL Western Province), Cheswill Jooste (Vodacom Bulls), JC Mars (DHL Western Province).

Fixtures

Thursday, 1 May

2pm: New Zealand v Australia

4.10pm: Junior Boks v Argentina

Tuesday, 6 May

2pm: New Zealand v Argentina

4.10pm: Junior Boks v Australia

Sunday, 11 May

2pm: Argentina v Australia

4.10pm: Junior Boks v New Zealand