Foote rings changes as Junior Boks brace for England semi-final in Tbilisi

Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote has made four changes for Monday’s Junior World Championship semi-final against England in Tbilisi.

Foote has tinkered with both the forwards and backline, making two changes to each from the team that beat Wales in their last Pool A match.

South Africa have also opted for six forwards and two backs on the replacements bench, underlining the physical challenge expected from England.

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The revamped loose trio features Kebotile Maake at openside, Luke Cannon on the blindside, and Gert Kemp at No 8. They come in for Risima Khosa, who drops to the bench, and Vujo Gwiji.

Among the backs, Markus Muller comes in at outside centre for Samuel Badenhorst, and Luan Giliomee returns at fullback after successfully completing concussion protocols.

Alzeadon Felix, who started at 15 last time out, shifts to the bench.

“We’ve made some rotational changes to the squad, mindful that we had an extra day for recovery, which came at the right time after three pool matches in a relatively short period,” said Foote.

“We have selected what we believe is an exciting team and a combination best suited to our game model against a very good England side.”

Take a look back at some #JuniorBoks stats from the pool phase as they set their sights on the #JuniorWorldChampionship semi-finals