Biyela to lead determined Junior Boks in crucial clash against Scotland

South Africa’s Junior Springboks have named a powerful and experienced side for their final Pool A encounter at the World Rugby U20 Championship, with loose forward Thando Biyela set to captain the team against Scotland on Wednesday afternoon. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:30 at the Stadio San Michele in Calvisano.

The Junior Boks head into this clash with momentum following their impressive victory over England, and while several rotational changes have been made, the squad to face Scotland is far from experimental. Head coach Kevin Foote has opted for a blend of seasoned campaigners and dynamic youth, all of whom have played a role in South Africa’s journey through the group stages.

Key members of the backline, fullback Gilermo Mentoe, wing Cheswill Jooste, outside centre Gino Cupido, and flyhalf Vusi Moyo, retain their places after their solid performances in the previous outing. They are expected to provide continuity and attacking flair in what is anticipated to be a high-intensity battle.

In the forwards, Matt Romao, Jaco Grobbelaar, Jean Erasmus, Oliver Reid, and hooker Jaundre Schoeman all step up into starting roles after making strong impressions off the bench in earlier matches. Their inclusion bolsters a pack that will be expected to impose physical dominance up front.

“We’ve named a team that will play this important pool game with real purpose and pride against a very good Scotland side,” said Foote. “A win will cement our place at the top of Pool A, and we are going into this match with that goal firmly in mind.”

Foote added that the players selected have earned their jerseys through consistent effort and a strong work ethic.

“We are fortunate that the players in our match-23 have experience playing for the Junior Boks against Georgia in the U20 Rugby Championship and also in our warm-up matches against Kenya. It’s a tremendous honour to represent the Junior Boks, and these players have worked extremely hard to be in contention.”

Biyela, who has previously captained the side, brings leadership and calm to a group hungry for further success.

“Thando has already led us earlier this year,” said Foote. “Stephanus Linde featured against Georgia, while Matt Romao was named Man of the Match when we played Argentina in the Rugby Championship. Jaco Williams, Grobbelaar, and Reid have seen plenty of action already, and we have reliable impact players waiting on the bench, including Herman Lubbe, JJ Theron, Batho Hlekani, and Haashim Pead.”

The coaching team has thoroughly analysed their Scottish counterparts and is not underestimating the challenge that lies ahead.

“We have done our homework on Scotland. They play good rugby, they attack well, and their set piece has been solid. They’ll be a serious threat, and we respect that,” Foote said.

Despite their unbeaten run, the Junior Boks are focused on continued growth and refinement of their playing style.

“We have a strong desire to improve,” added Foote. “We are determined to build on our game model and maintain synergy and cohesion as a group. Every game is an opportunity to take a step forward, and we see Wednesday as another test of our progress.”

South Africa will be looking to use their physicality, speed, and tactical awareness to dominate proceedings against a Scotland side equally eager to finish their campaign on a high note.

The Junior Boks will go into the fixture knowing that victory will secure their spot at the top of the pool, a crucial position in the path toward championship contention.

Junior Springbok team to face Scotland:

Starting XV:

1. Oliver Reid
2. Jaundre Schoeman
3. Jean Erasmus
4. Jaco Grobbelaar
5. Morne Venter
6. Thando Biyela (captain)
7. Matt Romao
8. Stephanus Linde
9. Ceano Everson
10. Vusi Moyo
11. Jaco Williams
12. Dominic Malgas
13. Gino Cupido
14. Cheswill Jooste
15. Gilermo Mentoe

Replacements: 16. Siphosethu Mnebelele 17. Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka 18. Herman Lubbe 19. JJ Theron 20. Batho Hlekani 21. Haashim Pead 22. Ian van der Merwe 23. Demitre Erasmus

With everything on the line, expect a spirited and disciplined performance from the Junior Springboks as they aim to finish the pool phase on a high and build momentum heading into the knockout rounds.