Junior Boks make three changes for final against France

'Baby Boks' coach Kevin Foote has made three changes to the side that defeated England 53-37 in the World Rugby U20 Championship semi-final on 13 July. This sets up South Africa against France for the final on Saturday in Tbilisi, after the latter edged New Zealand 26-22 in a far tenser first semi-final on Monday. The All Blacks led the way for the better part of the game, but France got the upper hand shortly before the final whistle. The decider at the Mikheil Meskhi Stadium will be the first time South Africa and France have met in the final of the global U20 tournament. SA Rugby reports that Foote has made two changes to his forward pack, both in the loose trio. Wasi Vyambwera starts at No 8, with Gert Kemp dropping to the bench to provide impact later in the match, while Risima Khosa comes in at flanker. The experienced front row of Oliver Reid, captain Siphosethu Mnebelele and Danie Kruger once again anchors the scrum, while Heinrich Theron and JD Hattingh continue their second-row partnership. Luke Cannon completes the loose trio alongside Khosa and Vyambwera. The only enforced change in the backline sees Alzeadon Felix replace Luan Giliomee at fullback, after Giliomee received a red card in the semi-final. The half-back pairing of Hendré Schoeman and Yaqeen Ahmed retains the No 9 and No 10 jerseys, with Ethan Adams and Markus Muller continuing in midfield. Khuthadzo Rasivhaga and Cheswill Jooste start on the wings. Samuel Badenhorst joins Kemp among the replacements, as part of a bench featuring six forwards and two backs. The Junior Boks, who defeated New Zealand to lift the title in 2025, are aiming to become the first South African side to win back-to-back World Rugby U20 Championship titles. Foote, now in his second season in charge of the Junior Boks, said the squad had used the week well in preparing for a formidable French side. 'This group has been together since the beginning of the year, and they understand the way we want to play,' said Foote. 'We've used this week to sharpen our readiness and focus on the areas where we felt we could improve. The pleasing aspect of this group is their honesty and accountability. The players are open with each other in their assessments, and together we've identified solutions and worked hard on those areas. We believe we have prepared well for what will be a massive challenge.' Foote praised the squad's efforts throughout the tournament, crediting the entire group for reaching a second consecutive final. 'The outstanding quality of this group is the bond they share and how much they enjoy representing South Africa. We are still reviewing our game and know we have room to keep pushing to get better. France are a very formidable side and fully deserve their place in the final. Their performances in the recent World Rugby U20 Championship and the Six Nations show that they understand how to perform in knockout rugby.' Looking ahead to Saturday's final, Foote said the Junior Boks would remain true to their identity while maintaining tactical discipline. 'We want to continue playing the South African way,' he said. 'That means using our physicality to create momentum, winning the gain-line battle and playing with tempo and intensity. Our set piece will be important in providing a solid platform, but we will also need to be smart and accurate, particularly on defence. Our preparations have gone extremely well. The players have clarity around our game model, they have confidence in one another, and there is genuine excitement about the opportunity that lies ahead.' The starting XV for the Junior Boks to face France is: 15 Alzeadon Felix, 14 Cheswill Jooste, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Ethan Adams, 11 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Hendré Schoeman, 8 Wasi Vyambwera, 7 Luke Cannon, 6 Risima Khosa, 5 JD Hattingh, 4 Heinrich Theron, 3 Danie Kruger, 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele, 1 Oliver Reid. The bench is made up of: 16 Liam van Wyk, 17 Rambo Kubheka, 18 Luan van der Berg, 19 Jaythen Orange, 20 Thomas Beling, 21 Gert Kemp, 22 Jayden Brits, 23 Samuel Badenhorst. Kick-off is 18:30.