Springbok center Lukhanyo Am has confidence in the burgeoning talents of South Africa’s rugby youth. Celebrating their formidable performance at the Junior World Championships in Georgia, Am commends the Junior Boks for their exceptional run, which sees them advancing to the finals against France in Tbilisi this coming Saturday.
As champions looking to defend their title, the Junior Boks are on the verge of making history with a potential back-to-back victory. Am, renowned for his tactical prowess on the field, highlights the team’s ability to balance instinct with strategy.
"We are very fortunate in South Africa to have a pool of talented youngsters. The energy these youngsters are bringing is incredible."
Am, who has made a career out of breaking through defenses with his foresight and innovation, points out the unique qualities of this younger squad. He acknowledges their knack for altering the course of a game while maintaining overall team integrity.
"That’s the nice thing about this modern generation of players; these kids have got X-factor, and they can still play within the team structure. They make sure their decision-making is mature enough to ensure they can pull off both. When it’s time to bring in X-factor, they do it, and when it’s time to be playing with structure, they do it. It’s really beautiful to watch."
The anticipation for Saturday’s final is palpable, and with talents such as those described by Am, the Junior Boks seem prepared not just to compete, but to captivate.
Junior Springbok team to face France in Tbilisi:
15 Alzeadon Felix (Fidelity Securedrive Lions)
14 Cheswill Jooste (Vodacom Bulls)
13 Markus Muller (DHL Stormers)
12 Ethan Adams (Fidelity Securedrive Lions)
11 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
10 Yaqeen Ahmed (DHL Stormers)
9 Hendré Schoeman (Vodacom Bulls)
8 Wasi Vyambwera (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
7 Luke Cannon (Fidelity Securedrive Lions)
6 Risima Khosa (Fidelity Securedrive Lions)
5 JD Hattingh (Fidelity Securedrive Lions)
4 Heinrich Theron (Vodacom Buls)
3 Danie Kruger (DHL Stormers)
2 Siphosethu Mnebelele (captain, Vodacom Bulls)
1 Oliver Reid (DHL Stormers)
Replacements:
16 Liam van Wyk (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
17 Rambo Kubheka (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
18 Luan van der Berg (Vodacom Bulls)
19 Jaythen Orange (Fidelity Securedrive Lions)
20 Thomas Beling (Fidelity Securedrive Lions)
21 Gert Kemp (DHL Stormers)
22 Jayden Brits (DHL Stormers)
23 Samuel Badenhorst (DHL Stormers)
Match information:
Date: Saturday, 18 July 2026
Venue: Mikheil Meskhi Stadium, Tbilisi (Georgia)
Kick-off: 18h30 (SA time)
Referee: Reuben Keane
Broadcast: SuperSport
With their dynamic blend of youthful exuberance and calculated play, the Junior Boks are positioned not just for success in Tbilisi, but for continued dominance in the sport. Saturday's match is not to be missed.
