Key Takeaways
- The SA U19 Academy team, led by captain Riley Norton, will face France U19 in Châteauroux.
- The team includes four players from the Junior Boks’ World Rugby U20 Championship-winning team: Oliver Reid, Siphosethu Mnebelele, Vusi Moyo, and Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka (on the bench).
- The match is seen as a curtain-raiser to the France vs. Springboks Test match and the SA U19 team aims to honor Springbok captain Siya Kolisi’s 100th Test appearance.
- Team selection was based on performance in various competitions, commitment to the program, and performance in a friendly match against France.
- The match is expected to be well-attended, with over 7,000 tickets already sold, and will be streamed live on Twitch and YouTube.
Summary
The South African U19 Academy team is set to face their French counterparts in Châteauroux. This international fixture is part of a European tour that will also see them play against Ireland U19 in Cork the following week. The team will be captained by Riley Norton and features several players fresh off their victory with the Junior Boks at the World Rugby U20 Championship. Oliver Reid, Siphosethu Mnebelele, and Vusi Moyo will be in the starting lineup, while Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka is set to make an impact off the bench.
Prior to the match, the SA U19 team participated in joint training sessions with the French U19 squad at the French High-Performance Centre in Marcoussis. These sessions provided a valuable opportunity to experience the playing style and intensity expected in the upcoming game.
Head Coach Kevin Foote has described the upcoming match as a significant event, serving as a prelude to the highly anticipated Test match between France and the Springboks later the same evening. The team is keen to represent their country with pride and put on a strong performance.
The SA U19 team also aims to honor Springbok captain Siya Kolisi as he reaches his 100th Test match milestone. Foote stated that the team wants to play well for their country and specifically for Kolisi, acknowledging his remarkable achievement and aiming to reflect his dedication and spirit in their own performance.
Foote explained the selection process for the match-day squad. Performance in the FNB Varsity Cup and SA Rugby U21 and U19 provincial competitions were considered, alongside commitment to the program’s culture and playing style. Their recent friendly match against France was also a key factor in determining the final squad.
Despite having only a week to prepare in Stellenbosch before heading to Paris, Foote believes the team is developing strong cohesion. The coaching staff has been tracking the players’ data and focusing on building effective combinations, which will be crucial in the clash against France.
The match promises to be a competitive encounter between two proud nations. With over 7,000 tickets sold, a significant crowd is expected. For those unable to attend in person, the match will be streamed live on Twitch and YouTube.
SA U19 Academy Team Lineup
The starting lineup includes Akahluwa Boqwana at fullback, Lindsey Jansen and Khuthadzo Rasivhaga on the wings, and Pieter van der Merwe (vice-captain) and Dylan Miller in the centers. Vusi Moyo will be the flyhalf, paired with Elgernon Meyer at scrumhalf. The forward pack consists of Reuben Kruger, Aiden de Costa, Kebotile Maake, Riley Norton (captain), Heinrich Theron, Danie Kruger, Siphosethu Mnebelele, and Oliver Reid.
The replacements are Liam van Wyk, Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka, Ulrich van der Merwe, JD Hattingh, Tom Barnard, Vuyo Gwiji, Luan Giliomee, Janco Purchase, Risima Khosa, Brooklyn Newman, and Unathi Mlotshwa, providing depth and flexibility to the squad.