Kubheka to lead Junior Boks in JWC opener against Uruguay

Experienced prop Rambo Kubheka will lead the Junior Springboks when they face Uruguay in their opening Pool A match of the 2026 World Rugby Junior World Championship (JWC) in Tbilisi, Georgia on Saturday.

With squad captain Siphosethu Mnebelele named among the replacements, Kubheka takes over the leadership duties for the SA U20s’ first pool match of the tournament.

Junior Bok coach Kevin Foote has opted for a split of five forwards and three backs on the replacements bench for this clash against their South American opponents.

The starting pack features Kubheka, Liam van Wyk, and Luan van der Berg in the front row, with Jaythen Orange and JD Hattingh pairing up in the second row. The loose trio consists of Risima Khosa, Gert Kemp, and Vuyo Gwiji.

Hendré Schoeman starts at scrumhalf, while Alzeadon Felix wears the No 10 jersey in the absence of the suspended Yaqeen Ahmed. Ethan Adams and Markus Muller form an exciting midfield pairing; Jordan Steenkamp and Khuthadzo Rashivaga line up on the wings, with the versatile Luan Giliomee – a Blitzbok international – starting at fullback.

Cheswill Jooste (wing), a stalwart of last year’s successful campaign who joined the squad late after completing his Vodacom United Rugby Championship commitments, is one of the three backline players named on the bench.

Commenting on the selection and the prospects of kicking off the tournament against Uruguay, Foote said the Junior Boks are primed and eager to get their campaign underway.

“We have picked a team that we believe will do the job for us against Uruguay on Saturday,” said Foote, who emphasized that squad rotation will be a key factor during the gruelling four-week event.

“Competition for places is incredibly high, which is exactly what you want as a coach. We have selected a match-23 that we believe will deliver a good performance. There is a quick turnaround time between matches, so player load management will be crucial for us.”

With the tournament kick-off two days away, the SA U20 coach added: “All the players have worked extremely hard to be here and there is a massive sense of excitement within the camp to get the tournament started on Saturday.”

While Uruguay represents somewhat of an unknown quantity for the South Africans, Foote insisted his team will not be underestimating their opponents.

“We are highly motivated to start on a positive note, but we know that every team here will be determined to make an impact in Georgia,” said Foote, who is mentoring the Junior Boks for the second time in the JWC.

The SA U20s enter the tournament as defending champions, having won the world title in Italy last year for the first time since 2012. However, Foote stressed that this current group is looking to chart their own journey.

“Last year’s success was wonderful, but that belongs to the past,” said Foote. “We are focused, ready, and highly motivated for this new challenge. The players have put in the hard yards to get fit and grasp our game model, and everyone is excited for Saturday’s match.”

The team will complete their final full field session on Thursday before holding their traditional captain’s run on Friday.

Junior Springbok starting XV: 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Ethan Adams, 11 Jordan Steenkamp; 10 Alzeadon Felix, 9 Hendré Schoeman; 8 Vuyo Gwiji, 7 Gert Kemp, 6 Risima Khosa; 5 JD Hattingh, 4 Jaythen Orange; 3 Luan van der Berg, 2 Liam van Wyk, 1 Rambo Kubheka (capt). Replacements: 16 Siphosetho Mnebelele, 17 Jordan Jooste, 18 Danie Kruger, 19 Thomas Beling, 20 Wasi Vyambwera, 21 Jayden Brits, 22 Akahluwa Boqwana, 23 Cheswill Jooste.

South Africa v Uruguay - Saturday @ Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi (Georgia) (6.30pm SAST)

Referee: Ru Campbell