Sharks starlet Vusi Moyo handed keys to exciting Junior Bok attack

Exciting Sharks flyhalf Vusi Moyo will once again take centre stage for the Junior Springboks after being named in Kevin Foote’s heavily rotated side for Thursday’s opening clash of the SA Rugby Under-20 International Series against Chile in Cape Town.

Moyo, who recently made headlines with an impressive senior debut for the Sharks, has been entrusted with the No 10 jersey as the Junior Boks begin their campaign at Rondebosch Boys’ High School.

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The match kicks off at 15h00, following the opening encounter between Fiji and Georgia at 13h00, with both matches streamed live on YouTube.

Foote has made sweeping changes to the side following South Africa’s successful Under-20 Rugby Championship campaign in Gqeberha earlier this month, where the Junior Boks lifted the title after wins over Argentina and Australia before drawing with New Zealand.

Only eight players from the squad that faced the Baby Blacks in the final round have retained their places for the clash against Chile.

Former SA Schools ‘A’ captain Risima Khosa will lead the side from loose forward, while dangerous outside backs Jade Muller and Akhahluwa Boqwana add further attacking threat to an exciting backline.

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Foote said the rotation policy is aimed at building depth and exposing more players to the demands of international rugby ahead of next month’s Junior World Championship in Georgia.

“We are giving players who were not heavily involved in the Rugby Championship an opportunity to play and gain experience in international rugby,” said Foote.

“They worked hard during training over the past week and now have a great opportunity to showcase their skills while representing our country.

“This series also presents another opportunity for us to continue our growth as a team and to build cohesion as we progress with our preparations for next month’s Junior World Championship in Georgia. We expect Chile to be a gritty and motivated opponent.”

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Foote added that the squad is eager to make the most of another opportunity to play in front of home supporters.

“We are very grateful for another opportunity to represent our country and to play in front of our passionate South African supporters. The players are excited about the tournament and are looking forward to Thursday’s opening match.”

15 Alzeadon Felix, 14 Jade Muller, 13 Olunje Mehlomakulu, 12 Pieter van der Merwe, 11 Lindsey Jansen, 10 Vusi Moyo, 9 Jayden Brits, 8 Vuyo Gwiji, 7 Gert Kemp, 6 Risima Khosa (captain), 5 JD Hattingh, 4 Jaythen Orange, 3 Luan van der Berg, 2 Mahle Sithole, 1 Jordan Jooste.

Replacements: 16 Altus Rabe, 17 Kai Pratt, 18 Bongani Dlamini, 19 Thomas Beling, 20 Quintin Potgieter, 21 Jandrian Goosen, 22 Junaide Stuart, 23 Akhahluwa Boqwana.