The Junior Boks will have their work cut out on Sunday (3/5) when they face Australia, who will want to bounce back after their 34-29 defeat against New Zealand. The Blue Bulls back-rower Thomas Beling makes way for Wasi Vyambwera, coming in at blindside flanker. 

Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote has also made a couple of rotational changes, including Khuthadzo Rasivhaga replacing Lindsey Jansen on the left wing, and Akahluwa Boqwana getting the nod at fullback ahead of Alzeadon Felix.

On the bench, Luan van der Berg will step in to replace injured Kai Pratt, while Gert Kemp will provide loose forward cover in the place of Risima Khosa, with Rasivhaga’s spot amongst the replacements filled by Jade Muller as the reserve outside back.

Junior Springbok Coach, Kevin Foote. Photo: FB/SA Junior Rugby

Foote said the team enjoyed a productive week of preparation in the build-up to Sunday’s match.

“We had a really good review of our performance against Argentina and, while we are very pleased with the result and the way the players performed on defence and attack for long periods of the match, there are obviously aspects of our game that need improvement. 

“Our focus is playing the full 80 minutes and ensuring that we stay on our game model to meet what will be a huge challenge against an Australian side that is well coached and that boasts strong skill sets across the park.”

The second-round encounter kicks off at 16:10. The first match, between New Zealand and Argentina, starts at 14:00.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger dg