Junior Boks coach Kevin Foote has made wholesale changes to the SA U19 Academy team for Friday’s match against Ireland U19 in Cork.

The final fixture of their two-week European tour kicks off at 9:30pm (SA time) at Virgin Media Park, the home of Munster. The match will be streamed live on IrishRugby+.

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To give every player on tour game time, Foote has made four changes to the starting pack, five in the backline and six among the replacements.

In the only tweak to the tight five that impressed against France U19 last week in Châteauroux, captain Riley Norton moves from lock to blindside flank, with JD Hattingh promoted from the bench to the second row.

Norton completes a new loose trio alongside openside flank Junior Rasima and No 8 Vuyo Gwiji.

Flyhalf Vusi Moyo retains the No 10 jersey and will partner scrumhalf Luan Giliomee. Lindsey Jansen shifts to the left wing, with Janco Purchase and Pieter van der Merwe forming the midfield pairing. Khuthadzo Rasivhaga moves from outside centre to right wing, while Dylan Miller starts at fullback after playing on the left wing last week.

After an intense training session on Tuesday, the team has adapted well to Cork’s cold, wet conditions.

“After playing France, we now face Ireland, and we know how passionate their supporters are,” said Foote. “Considering the local conditions, we’re in for a proper challenge – and that’s exactly the kind of learning curve we need.”

Explaining his selections, Foote added: “We’re giving players who didn’t feature against France a chance. It’s important that everyone on tour gets to wear the green and gold and that we build positional depth.”

Foote said the tour has been invaluable for the group.

“It’s been a great opportunity to connect, grow together, and refine our game. Now we have to apply the lessons from France against Ireland. The locals will be vocal, and conditions will be tough, but we’re ready.”

SA U19 ACADEMY – 15 Dylan Miller, 14 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga, 13 Janco Purchase, 12 Pieter van der Merwe , 11 Lindsey Jansen, 10 Vusi Moyo, 9 Luan Giliomee, 8 Vuyo Gwiji, 7 Riley Norton (c), 6 Junior Rasima, 5 JD Hattingh, 4 Heinrich Theron, 3 Danie Kruger, 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele, 1 Oliver Reid.
Bench: 16 Mahle Sithole, 17 Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka, 18 Ulrich van der Merwe, 19 Tom Barnard, 20 KB Maake, 21 Liam van Wyk, 22 Brooklyn Newman, 23 Akahluwa Boqwana.

Photo: SA Rugby