Junior Springboks Open U20 World Championship Against Uruguay

The Junior Springboks will begin their title defense at the 2026 World Rugby U20 Championship this Saturday, June 27, against Uruguay in Tbilisi, Georgia. Experienced prop Rambo Kubheka will captain the South African under-20 side for the Pool A opener, with regular squad captain Siphosethu Mnebelele named among the replacements.

Head coach Kevin Foote has selected a near full-strength starting lineup for the match, which kicks off at 6:30 p.m. South African time at the Avchala Stadium. The team is without its regular captain, lock Riley Norton, and flyhalf Vusi Moyo, who are both with the senior Springbok squad preparing for the Nations Championship. Flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed is also absent due to suspension.

The starting pack features Kubheka, hooker Liam van Wyk, and tighthead Luan van der Berg in the front row, with Jaythen Orange and JD Hattingh in the second row. The loose trio consists of Risima Khosa, Gert Kemp, and Vuyo Gwiji. In the backs, Hendré Schoeman starts at scrumhalf, with Alzeadon Felix at flyhalf. The midfield pairs Ethan Adams and Markus Muller, while Jordan Steenkamp and Khuthadzo Rasivhaga are on the wings. Versatile back Luan Giliomee, who has experience with...