Riley Norton back as Junior Boks back squad depth for physical Georgia challenge

The match at Paul Roos Gymnasium's Markötter Stadium kicks off at 14:30 and will be followed by Chile vs Fiji at 16:30.

Captain Riley Norton returns to the starting XV after missing the Chile match due to Springbok alignment camp duties, in one of several changes from the side that beat Fiji 82-25.

Vusi Moyo starts his third straight game at flyhalf after an impressive series, while Luan Giliomee keeps his place at fullback following a hat-trick against Fiji.

Yaqeen Ahmed and Samuel Badenhorst continue in midfield after starring in the Junior Boks' Rugby Championship win in Gqeberha.

The side has been hit by injuries, with Jordan Jooste, Jaythen Orange, Christian Vorster and Jade Muller ruled out after niggles against Fiji. They join an extended injury list that includes Esethu Mnebelele, Kai Pratt, Wasi Vyambwera, Vuyo Gwiji, Risima Khosa, Ethan Adams, Markus Muller, Cheswill Jooste and Zekhethelo Siyaya.

Despite the reshuffle, the Junior Boks have backed their squad depth ahead of a physical clash on Saturday.

"Niggles are part of the game, and we are fortunate to have built strong squad depth through our planning since coming together as a group," said Foote.

"Although several players are unavailable due to injuries and ongoing rehabilitation, we are confident that we've selected a quality squad for what will be a strong challenge against a very physical Georgian outfit."

Foote is expecting another intense battle up front against the physical Georgians, and the Junior Bok coach said they need to further improve despite convincing victories over Chile and Fiji.

"We want to keep reducing errors and lapses in concentration," he said.

"We will continue to work hard on our fundamentals, which are core to our DNA; understanding and implementation of our game model; and building cohesion as we build towards the Junior World Championship.

"Our rotational selection policy sees most players who played in the U20 Rugby Championship now return for Saturday's match. The injuries to Markus, Ethan and Christian mean we have a new midfield combination of Yaqeen and Samuel, both of whom performed very well for us in the recent Rugby Championship.

"This match against a competitive Georgian side gives us another valuable opportunity to play in front of our home supporters, continue to build squad depth and gain important international experience."

Junior Springboks - 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Jack Benade, 13 Samuel Badenhorst, 12 Yaqeen Ahmed, 11 Khuthadzo Rashivaga, 10 Vusi Moyo, 9 Hendre Schoeman, 8 Quintin Potgieter, 7 Luke Cannon, 6 Kebotile Maake, 5 Riley Norton (c), 4 Heinrich Theron, 3 Danie Kruger, 2 Liam van Wyk, 1 Oliver Reid.

Replacements: 16 Mahle Sithole, 17 Rambo Kubheka, 18 Luan van der Berg, 19 JD Hattingh, 20 Gert Kemp, 21 Jayden Brits, 22 Pieter van der Merwe, 23 Alzeadon Felix.

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