Minor tweaks to Junior Springboks for World Champs final against France

Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote has made three changes to his side for Saturday’s Junior World Championship final against France in Tbilisi, Georgia.

The Junior Boks reached the showpiece game after beating England 53-37 in the semi-finals, while France edged New Zealand 26-22.

Foote has made two adjustments to his forward pack, both in the loose trio. Wasi Vyambwera starts at No 8, with Gert Kemp moving to the bench and Risima Khosa starting at flanker.

There is only one enforced change in the backline, with Alzeadon Felix coming in at fullback for Luan Giliomee, who received a red card against England.

READ | Junior Bok coach Foote lauds team’s maturity after England demolition job

The Junior Boks, who beat New Zealand 23-15 in last year’s final in Italy, will be aiming to become the first South African junior side to win back-to-back world titles.

Foote, in his second season at the helm of the Junior Boks, said they were ready for a massive onslaught from Six Nations champions France.

“This group has been together since the beginning of the year and they understand the way we want to play.

“We’ve used this week to sharpen our readiness and focus on the areas where we felt we could improve.

“The pleasing aspect of this group is their honesty and accountability. The players are open with each other in their assessments, and together we’ve identified solutions and worked hard on those areas. We believe we have prepared well for what will be a massive challenge.

“France are a very formidable side and fully deserve their place in the final. Their performances in the recent JWC and the Six Nations show that they understand how to perform when playing knockout rugby,” said Foote.

Saturday’s clash at the Mikheil Meskhi Stadium