Riley Norton will lead the Junior Springboks of their 2026 Underneath-20 Rugby Championship opener in opposition to Argentina’s Los Pumitas on Monday, as they intention to make an instantaneous influence in entrance of their residence crowd in Gqeberha.
The match on the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium begins at 16h10 and can be broadcast stay on SuperSport.
Norton, who led the SA U20s to the Junior World Championship title in Italy final yr, will captain an exciting-looking facet, with fellow 2025 JWC winners Rambo Kubheka (prop) additionally within the beginning lineup, whereas Oliver Reid (prop) and Vusi Moyo (flyhalf) are primed to make an influence from the bench.
The Junior Boks’ match-23 is a mix of acquainted faces who’ve been a part of the squad set-up over the previous few months, together with a number of promising gamers who featured for the profitable SA U18 group final yr.
Moyo returns to motion after a hip damage dominated him out of the tour to Georgia earlier this yr and he’s set to supply cowl from the replacements’ bench in opposition to a tenacious Los Pumitas outfit. Reid may also deliver invaluable expertise when he enters the match.
FNB UCT wing Jack Benade has been rewarded for his kind in the course of the lately accomplished FNB Varsity Cup, in addition to for impressing in the course of the two-week coaching camp in Stellenbosch. He’ll put on the No 14 jersey, with Lindsey Jansen occupying the other wing.
With Markus Muller (inside centre) referred to as as much as the DHL Stormers camp, the Junior Boks’ midfield mixture will now function the highly effective Ethan Adams at inside centre, partnered by Samuel Badenhorst on the surface.
Alzeadon Felix, an damage alternative on the world showpiece in Italy final yr, will begin at fullback to finish the again three, whereas Yaqeen Ahmed and Hendré Schoeman will kind the halfback pairing, rounding off the beginning backline.
Up entrance, Kubheka and Danie Kruger will pack down on both facet of Liam van Wyk (hooker), whereas Norton can be partnered within the engine room by Heinrich Theron.
Luke Canon, Kebotile Maake and Thomas Beling kind the free trio mixture, with the duty of curbing the Argentine menace on the breakdown – an space the place a fierce contest is predicted between the 2 sides.
Reflecting on his matchday squad, Junior Bok head coach Kevin Foote stated they’re underneath no phantasm what to anticipate from Argentina on Monday.
“They’re identified for his or her physicality and their stable set piece, so we all know we must regular ourselves for a really robust contest,” stated Foote.
“Our latest contests have been very shut – they performed exceptionally effectively in opposition to us on this event final yr, and we needed to dig very deep to beat them within the semi-final of the World Championship final yr in Italy.”
The Junior Bok coach stated they loved a heat welcome within the Pleasant Metropolis alongside the Japanese Cape coast and have been desirous to make the folks of the area proud with a very good efficiency.
“Argentina, like the opposite southern hemisphere sides, choose a high-tempo sport with loads of ball in play,” he stated.
“They’re a battle-hardened, tenacious outfit, and we must work extraordinarily arduous all through the competition if we need to impose ourselves.
“Our DNA is our physicality, and we’re trying ahead to enjoying an thrilling model of rugby.”
Aside from Muller, the Junior Boks may also be with out the companies of Cheswill Jooste (wing, Vodacom Bulls) and Zekhethelo Siyaya (fullback, Hollywoodbets Sharks), each of whom are on Vodacom United Rugby Championship responsibility.
Luan Giliomee (utility again) and Siphosethu Mnebelele (hooker) are additionally unavailable for choice as a consequence of damage.
The Junior Boks’ conflict in opposition to Argentina kicks off at 16h10 and can be preceded by the event opener between Australia and New Zealand at 14h00. The SANZAAR U20 Rugby Championship will function the very best younger expertise from South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina.
Tickets for the U20 Rugby Championship can be priced from solely R35 per particular person per day for 2 matches, and can be offered completely by Ticketmaster – CLICK HERE.
Junior Springbok facet to tackle Argentina U20 in Gqeberha:
15. Alzeadon Felix
14. Jack Benade
13. Samuel Badenhorst
12. Ethan Adams
11. Lindsey Jansen
10. Yaqeen Ahmed
9. Hendré Schoeman
8. Kebotile Maake
7. Thomas Beling
6. Luke Canon
5. Riley Norton (captain)
4. Heinrich Theron
3. Danie Kruger
2. Liam van Wyk
1. Rambo Kubheka
Replacements
16. Mahle Sithole
17. Oliver Reid
18. Kai Pratt
19. JD Hattingh
20. Risima Khosa
21. Jayden Brits
22. Vusi Moyo
23. Khuthadzo Rasivhaga
U20 Rugby Championship fixtures (all matches stay on SuperSport):
Monday, 27 April
14h00: New Zealand v Australia
16h10: Junior Boks v Argentina
Sunday, 3 Could
14h00: New Zealand v Argentina
16h10: Junior Boks v Australia
Saturday, 9 Could
14h00: Argentina v Australia
16h10: Junior Boks v New Zealand
Issued by SA Rugby Communications
