Sevens speedster Gino Cupido options in a Riley Norton-led Junior Springboks lineup towards Argentina of their U20 Rugby Championship opener in Gqeberha on Thursday.
It’s the second match of a double-header on the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, following the conflict between the defending champions New Zealand and Australia.
The Pumitas gave their South African U20 rivals a troublesome time final 12 months within the inaugural event Down Below, the place a Philip-Albert van Niekerk penalty on the loss of life clinched a 30-28 win for the Junior Boks.
The Junior Bok beginning XV consists of the likes of Norton, Wandile Mlaba, a member of final 12 months’s squad, and the 2024 SA Faculties and SA U18 captain Sethu Mnebelele, among the many forwards.
Winger Cupido, who made his Blitzboks debut on the Hong Kong Sevens in mid-March, begins in an thrilling backline with Cheswill Jooste and Western Province flyhalf Kyle Smith.
Sharks utility ahead Batho Hlekani and Stormers flyer JC Mars are set to make an affect off the bench.
REWIND: Junior Boks make Rugby Champs splash
“Our squad choice for this primary sport was tough as a result of there are such a lot of proficient guys, which speaks volumes about our depth,” stated Junior Bok head coach Kevin Foote.
“We’ve selected a extra settled pack – there’s just one change within the pack from our final coaching match towards Hamilton’s, with our captain Riley Norton coming into the beginning lineup after a slight harm.”
“Amongst our backs, we’ve welcomed again Haashim Pead at scrumhalf together with his expertise,” he added. “Like Riley, he additionally had a niggle, which is why he didn’t play within the final coaching match. There’s additionally Gino, who comes into the squad after making his Blitzbok debut not too long ago, and JC Mars can be included.”
Foote stated they’re conscious of the massive problem towards the robust South Individuals: “We’ve completed our homework and know what Argentina goes to convey to the sport. We perceive and respect their ardour, and they’re additionally trying ahead to this chance to play for his or her nation.
“We now have plenty of respect for the Argentinians round their contact and set play, and we’re trying ahead to enjoying towards them.”
JUNIOR SPRINGBOKS – 15 Gilermo Mentoe, 14 Cheswill Jooste, 13 Demitre Erasmus, 12 Albie Bester, 11 Gino Cupido, 10 Kyle Smith, 9 Haashim Pead, 8 Wandile Mlaba, 7 Matt Romao, 6 Thando Biyela, 5 JJ Theron, 4 Riley Norton (c), 3 Simphiwe Ngobese, 2 Sethu Mnebelele, 1 Oliver Reid.
Bench: 16 Juandre Erasmus, 17 Ranon Fouche, 18 JD Erasmus, 19 Morne Visser, 20 Batho Hlekani, 21 Ceano Everson, 22 Vusi Moyo, 23 JC Mars.
U20 Rugby Championship fixtures (Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium):
Thursday, 1 Might
2pm: New Zealand vs Australia
4:10pm: Junior Boks vs Argentina
Tuesday, 6 Might
2pm: New Zealand vs Argentina
4:10pm: Junior Boks vs Australia
Sunday, 11 Might
2pm: Argentina vs Australia
4:10pm: Junior Boks vs New Zealand
Photograph: @Blitzboks/Twitter
