Senior Springbok call-ups force two changes to Junior Boks' World Championship squad

South Africa U20 head coach Kevin Foote has been forced into two changes to his Junior Boks squad for the World Rugby Junior World Championship in Georgia, after lock Riley Norton and fly-half Vusi Moyo were called into Rassie Erasmus’ 46-man senior squad for the Nations Championship.

Norton, a 20-year-old Stormers lock, had only just been named in Foote’s original U20 selection when he made his first Springbok appearance, starting in an 80-31 victory over the Barbarians at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday. His promotion to the senior squad means utility forward Thomas Beling comes into the U20 group in his place.

Moyo finds himself in identical circumstances, having come off the bench against the Barbarians in the same fixture. His departure opens the door for Cheswill Jooste, who had previously been left out of the squad while on duty with the Bulls — a side that lost the United Rugby Championship final to Leinster 36-7 on Friday.

With Norton unavailable, the captaincy passes to hooker Siphosethu Mnebelele, who will lead the defending champions when they open their campaign against Uruguay at Avchala Stadium on June 27. South Africa then face hosts Georgia on July 2 before rounding off their pool stage against Wales on July 7.

“Everyone in the Junior Bok setup is delighted for Riley and Vusi, and we wish them well for the Nations Championship,” Foote said. “It is every young player’s dream to represent the Springboks, and they thoroughly deserve their opportunity.”

Foote moved to reassure that the late changes would not disrupt his side’s preparations. “Injuries and call-ups to senior honours are part of the game. Fortunately, we planned for these scenarios, and the players brought into the squad are well integrated into our environment and game model. We are confident in our preparation and excited for the challenge ahead.”