Returning players lift Junior Boks ahead of U20 International Series
SPOTLIGHT: The Junior Springbok training squad assembled at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport (SAS) on Monday and completed their first training session in the afternoon as preparations ramp up for the forthcoming Under-20 International Series.
The series will feature the SA U20s, as well as their counterparts from Chile, Fiji, and Georgia, and will be staged at three schools – Rondebosch Boys’ High School and Wynberg Boys’ High School in Cape Town’s southern suburbs, and Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch.
The inaugural tournament follows on the heels of the recent SANZAAR U20 Rugby Championship in Gqeberha, where South Africa claimed the title after victories over Argentina and Australia, before drawing their final encounter against New Zealand at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Several familiar faces reported for duty at SAS on Monday, including Vusi Moyo (flyhalf), who recently made his United Rugby Championship debut for the Sharks, as well as his franchise teammate Luan Giliomee (utility back), and Siphosethu Mnebelele (hooker), both of whom had missed the Eastern Cape assignment due to injury.
Other players who sat out the Junior Boks’ successful campaign in Gqeberha through injury and are now back in the mix include prop Kai Pratt, loose forward Vuyo Gwiji, and centres Pieter van der Merwe and Christian Vorster.
Junior Bok head coach Kevin Foote noted the positive energy brought by returning players: “Seeing the smiles on those who have rejoined the camp after completing their injury rehabilitation says a lot. We are very glad to have them back with us.”
The Junior Bok mentor reflected that while the U20 Rugby Championship was a valuable experience, the squad has pivoted quickly toward their forthcoming fixtures against Chile, Fiji, and Georgia.
“We achieved our mission in Gqeberha, but we now face a fresh challenge and must prepare accordingly,” said Foote, adding that they have to hit the ground running, as there is limited preparation time before the opening round against Chile this Thursday.
SA Rugby U20 International Series fixtures (all times SAST):
Thursday, May 21 – Rondebosch Boys’ High School, Cape Town
13.00: Georgia v Fiji
15.00: South Africa v Chile
Tuesday, May 26 – Wynberg Boys’ High School, Cape Town
13.00: Chile v Georgia
15.00: South Africa v Fiji
Saturday, May 30 – Markötter Stadium, Paul Roos Gymnasium, Stellenbosch
14.30: South Africa v Georgia
16.30: Fiji v Chile
