Norton to lead Junior Boks in first Georgian encounter

Riley Norton will lead an exciting Junior Springbok team in the first of two international meetings against Georgia in Tbilisi on Sunday afternoon.

The SA U20 team for the match, which kicks off at 5pm (SAST), was confirmed by head coach Kevin Foote, who will be looking for a good account from his charges against the physical hosts.

Norton is in his second season as Junior Bok captain after the lock captained the side to World Rugby U20 Championship glory in Italy last year. He will partner Heinrich Theron in the second row, packing down behind a powerful front row consisting of Rambo Kubheka, Liam van Wyk and Danie Kruger.

The loose trio consist of flankers Kebotile Maake and Luke Canon, with Reuben Kruger at No 8.

In the backline, Hendré Schoeman (scrumhalf) and Yaqeen Ahmed (flyhalf) form the halfback pairing, directing an attacking unit stacked with attacking prowess and speed.

Ethan Adams (inside centre) and Markus Muller (outside centre) will operate in the midfield, while the outside backs are Jordan Steenkamp and Lindsey Jansen on the wings, with Zekhethelo Siyaya at fullback.

The rest of the touring squad are on the bench as the coaching staff will look to give the full group international playing time. The replacements include versatile back Luan Giliomee, who recently made his Springbok Sevens debut.

Experienced Junior Bok front-rowers Oliver Reid and Siphosethu Mnebelele – both members of last year’s successful side in Italy – were not considered for this match as a precaution due some minor niggles.

Reflecting on the feeling in Tbilisi ahead of the weekend’s clash, Foote noted that the players have adjusted well to the local conditions.

“There is a fantastic energy in the camp,” said Foote.

“The boys have settled into the local environment quickly and the weather has been surprisingly pleasant for training. We had a productive high-intensity hit-out against the Lelo Saracens earlier this week, which was the ideal occasion for us to help fine-tune our structures and connections before Sunday.”

Regarding the Junior Boks’ opponents, Foote remains cautious of their renowned physicality: “Georgia is a very tough customer and a well-coached side, so we are expecting a massive physical challenge. But this is exactly the kind of contest we need to test ourselves and build resilience.”

Junior Springbok starting XV: 15 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 14 Lindsey Jansen, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Ethan Adams, 11 Jordan Steenkamp; 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Hendre Schoeman; 8 Reuben Kruger, 7 Luke Canon, 6 Kebotile Maake; 5 Riley Norton (capt), 4 Heinrich Theron; 3 Danie Kruger, 2 Liam van Wyk, 1 Rambo Kubheka. Replacements: 16 Kai Pratt, 17 Mahle Sithole, 18 Sibabalwe Booi, 19 James Schnetler, 20 JD Hattingh, 21 Risima Khosa, 22 Mumbere Vyambwera, 23 Gert Kemp, 24 Matthew Fink, 25 Luan Giliomee, 26 Dylan Miller, 27 Christian Vorster, 28 Samuel Badenhorst, 29 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga.

SA U20 tour fixtures (all matches to be played in Tbilisi, Georgia)

Sunday, 22 February (5pm)

SA U20 v Georgia U20

Friday, 27 February

SA U20 v Georgia U20