Junior Boks ready for England semi-final challenge in Georgia

The Junior Springboks will go into Monday evening’s Junior World Championship semi-final against England in Georgia with confidence in their preparation but also with a clear understanding of the improvements required after a demanding pool-stage campaign.

SA Under-20 captain Siphosethu Mnebelele said the squad had embraced the build-up to the last-four clash, with the focus firmly on getting themselves ready for a strong English side that has already shown its quality in the tournament.

“We’re a very close group,” said Mnebelele from their team hotel in Tbilisi. “We’ve enjoyed the preparations and we’ve enjoyed spending time together throughout the tournament. The focus has been on preparing well for England.”

The Junior Boks booked their place in the semi-finals after coming through a pressure-filled final pool match against Wales, a game Mnebelele said had effectively carried the intensity of a knockout fixture.

“We knew that if we lost against Wales, our route to the play-offs would be in serious jeopardy, so we approached it like a knockout game,” he said.

“There were some nerves early on but we are fortunate to have players who understand their roles and stay focused on their responsibilities. That allowed us to settle down and get back into the game.”

Those lessons have shaped the team’s approach this week. Mnebelele said the Junior Boks know they cannot afford to allow England to start quickly or gain early momentum in a semi-final where small margins could prove decisive.

“The focus is on ourselves,” said the Junior Bok captain. “We need to start well from the opening whistle, execute our roles and not allow England to gain momentum. If we concentrate on doing our jobs to the best of our abilities from the kick-off, we’ll give ourselves the best chance of success.”

Utility back Luan Giliomee, who returns at fullback for the semi-final after missing the clash against Wales, said the players have bought into the collective plan and are ready to contribute wherever needed as the Junior Boks look to deliver a complete performance.

Giliomee, a Springbok Sevens international who has played at scrumhalf, flyhalf and fullback for the SA U20s, said he will play wherever the team needs him.

“The coaches always have a plan for the team and it’s important that every player buys into that plan,” said the utility back. “Whether it’s fullback or another position, I’m happy to contribute wherever I can and do what’s best for the team.”

England have come through a tough pool and are expected to bring physicality, a strong kicking game and attacking threats across the field. Mnebelele said the Junior Boks respect the challenge but remain focused on producing a performance that reflects their own identity.

“England are a quality side and they’ve shown throughout the tournament why they’ve reached the semi-finals,” said Mnebelele.

“For us, the focus remains on our preparation and on delivering a performance that reflects who we are as a team. We’re excited about the opportunity and determined to produce a result we can be proud of.”

Victory over England will be the Junior Boks’ 10th win in a row at the Junior World Championship, which is one short of New Zealand’s record of 11 victories on the trot between 2016 and 2018.

Monday’s semi-final kicks off at 6.30pm SA time and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

Junior Springbok starting XV: 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Cheswill Jooste, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Ethan Adams, 11 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga; 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Hendré Schoeman; 8 Gert Kemp, 7 Luke Cannon, 6 Kebotile Maake; 5 JD Hattingh, 4 Heinrich Theron; 3 Danie Kruger, 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele (capt), 1 Oliver Reid. Replacements: 16 Liam van Wyk, 17 Rambo Kubheka, 18 Luan van der Berg, 19 Jaythen Orange, 20 Thomas Beling, 21 Risima Khosa, 22 Jayden Brits, 23 Alzeadon Felix.

Junior Springboks v England - Monday @ Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi (Georgia) (6.30pm)

Referee: Kevin Bralley (France)

Broadcast: SuperSport