Blitzboks’ Cupido, powerful Hlekani can spark Junior Springboks charge in Rugby Championship

Bathobele Hlekani, Haashim Pead and JC Mars will be returning for their second Under-20 Rugby Championship with the Junior Springboks after being included in the squad announced on Thursday.

New Junior Bok coach Kevin Foote picked 31 players for the tournament against New Zealand, Australia and Argentina, which will take place at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha from May 1-11.

The event serves as ideal preparation for the World Under-20 Championship from June 29-July 19 in Italy, where South Africa have been drawn in Pool A alongside defending champions England, Australia and Scotland.

The Junior Boks will be aiming for a much more successful Rugby Championship campaign after a difficult time in last year’s competition in Gold Coast, Australia, where they could only beat Argentina after drawing with New Zealand and losing to the hosts.

South Africa will begin their Rugby Championship run against on May 1 against Argentina (4.10pm start).

Barnstorming Sharks loose forward Hlekani will hope to lead the charge for the South Africans with his powerful ball-carries and big hits in defence.

At the back, Western Province fullback Mars will hope to utilise his pace and silky skills to spark the attack, along with recent Blitzboks debutant Gino Cupido, a centre from WP.

In a blow to the pack, impressive WP loose forward Divan Fuller has been ruled out with injury.

“The Rugby Championship is a great opportunity for our players to test their abilities against quality opposition from New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina and we are looking forward to the challenge to play quality opposition in front of our passionate Eastern Cape fans,” said Foote.

“We worked with 80 players during our various training camps, which gave us a fantastic opportunity to test and assess our depth.

“I believe we have selected a competitive Junior Bok squad, consisting of players who have really put up their hand during the camps.

“A few missed out due to injury, while there are also a couple who were retained from last year.

“The players all did their part, and I am pleased with their effort. We could only announce a 31-man squad, but that doesn’t mean those players who will not play in Nelson Mandela Bay are out of the reckoning for the World Rugby Under-20 Championship.”

Junior Springbok Squad

Props: Ranon Fouché (Bulls), Jean Erasmus (Bulls), Simphiwe Ngobese (Sharks), Herman Lubbe (Western Province), Oliver Reid (Western Province).

Hookers: Siphosethu Mnebelele (Bulls), Jaundré Schoeman (Bulls), HB Odendaal (Lions).

Locks: Neil Hansen (Lions), Morné Venter (Lions), Riley Norton (Western Province), JJ Theron (Bulls).

Loose forwards: Bathobele Hlekani (Sharks), Xola Nyali (Western Province), Matt Romao (Sharks), Wandile Mlaba (Western Province), Thando Biyela (Lions).

Scrumhalves: Ceano Everson (Sharks), Haashim Pead (Lions), Elrich Visser (Cheetahs).

Flyhalves: Vusi Moyo (Sharks), Kyle Smith (Western Province).

Centres: Albie Bester (Sharks), Gino Cupido (Western Province), Demitre Erasmus (Bulls), Dominic Malgas (Western Province).

Outside backs: Scott Nel (Sharks), Gilermo Mentoe (Lions), Siya Ndlozi (Western Province), Cheswill Jooste (Bulls), JC Mars (Western Province).

Rugby Championship Under-20 Fixtures (Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium):

Thursday, 1 May – 2pm: New Zealand v Australia, 4.10pm: South Africa v Argentina

Tuesday, 6 May – 2pm: New Zealand v Argentina, 4.10pm: South Africa v Australia

Sunday, 11 May – 2pm: Argentina v Australia, 4.10pm: South Africa v New Zealand