Junior Bok side named for JWC semi-final against England

Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote has made four personnel changes to his starting team for their Junior World Championship semi-final against England in Tbilisi on Monday evening, as the SA U20s aim to secure a place in the tournament final.

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.

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.

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.”

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 18h30 SA time and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

Junior Springbok team to face England in Tbilisi:

15 Luan Giliomee (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
14 Cheswill Jooste (Vodacom Bulls)
13 Markus Muller (DHL Stormers)
12 Ethan Adams (Fidelity Securedrive Lions)
11 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
10 Yaqeen Ahmed (DHL Stormers)
9 Hendré Schoeman (Vodacom Bulls)
8 Gert Kemp (DHL Stormers)

7 Luke Cannon (Fidelity Securedrive Lions)
6 Kebotile Maake (Fidelity Securedrive Lions)
5 JD Hattingh (Fidelity Securedrive Lions)
4 Heinrich Theron (Vodacom Buls)
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 Thomas Beling (Fidelity Securedrive Lions)
21 Risima Khosa (Fidelity Securedrive Lions)

22 Jayden Brits (DHL Stormers)
23 Alzeadon Felix (Fidelity Securedrive Lions)

Match information:

Date: Monday, 13 July 2026

Venue: Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi (Georgia)

Kick-off: 18h30 (SA time)

Referee: Kevin Bralley (France)

Broadcast: SuperSport