| # | POS | NAME | SCHOOL | UNION | A/G |
| 1 | PR-L | Oliver Reid | 1 of 6 Paul Roos | 1 of 12 WP | u20 |
| 2 | PR-L | Phiwayinkosi Khubeka | 1 of 2 Maritzburg College | 1 of 6 Sharks | u20 |
| 3 | PR-L | Kai Pratt | 1 of 3 Oakdale | 2 of 6 Sharks | u19 |
| 4 | PR-T | Sibabalwe Booi | 1 of 1 Ndzondelelo | 1 of 3 Cheetahs | u20 |
| 5 | PR-T | Ruan Smuts | 1 of 3 Affies | 2 of 3 Cheetahs | u20 |
| 6 | PR-T | JG Badenhorst | 1 of 8 Grey College | 3 of 3 Cheetahs | u19 |
| 7 | PR-T | Danie Kruger | 2 of 8 Grey College | 1 of 12 WP | u20 |
| 8 | HK | Esethu Mnebelele | 1 of 2 KES | 1 of 10 Bulls | u20 |
| 9 | HK | Liam van Wyk | 3 of 8 Grey College | 3 of 6 Sharks | u20 |
| 10 | HK | Mahle Sithole | 1 of 1 Durban HS | 1 of 9 Lions | u20 |
| 11 | LK | Heinrich Theron | 4 of 8 Grey College | 2 of 10 Bulls | u20 |
| 12 | LK | JP Lombaard | 1 of 1 Helpmekaar | 3 of 10 Bulls | u20 |
| 13 | LK | James Schnetler | 1 of 1 Garsfontein | 2 of 9 Lions | u20 |
| 14 | LK | Riley Norton | 1 of 6 Paul Roos | 2 of 12 WP | u20 |
| 15 | LK | JD Hattingh | 2 of 3 Affies | 3 of 9 Lions | u20 |
| 16 | LK | AJ Meyer | 5 of 8 Grey College | 3 of 12 WP | u19 |
| 17 | N8 | Kebotile Maake | 2 of 2 KES | 4 of 10 Bulls | u20 |
| 18 | LF | Alutha Wesi | 1 of 2 Rondebosch | 4 of 12 WP | u20 |
| 19 | LF | Luke Cannon | 1 of 3 Jeppe | 4 of 9 Lions | u20 |
| 20 | LF | Franko Rossouw | 1 of 1 Secunda | 5 of 10 Bulls | u20 |
| 21 | LF | Risima Khosa | 2 of 3 Jeppe | 5 of 9 Lions | u20 |
| 22 | LF | Mumbere Vyambwera | 2 of 2 Maritzburg College | 4 of 6 Sharks | u19 |
| 23 | N8 | Vuyo Gwiji | 1 of 1 Northwood | 6 of 9 Lions | u20 |
| 24 | LF | Gert Kemp | 2 of 6 Paul Roos | 5 of 12 WP | u19 |
| 25 | N8 | Reuben Kruger | 3 of 6 Paul Roos | 6 of 12 WP | u20 |
| 26 | SH | Matthew Fick | 1 of 1 St Charles | 6 of 10 Bulls | u20 |
| 27 | SH | Hendre Schoeman | 3 of 3 Affies | 7 of 10 Bulls | u20 |
| 28 | SH | Denilo Jordaan | 1 of 1 Pearson | 1 of 1 Dbn V Coll | u20 |
| 29 | FH | Yaqeen Ahmed | 1 of 1 Wynberg | 7 of 12 WP | u20 |
| 30 | FH | Alzeadon Felix | 6 of 8 Grey College | 7 of 9 Lions | u20 |
| 31 | CT-I | Pieter vd Merwe | 7 of 8 Grey College | 8 of 10 Bulls | u20 |
| 32 | CT | Christian Vorster | 2 of 3 Oakdale | 9 of 10 Bulls | u19 |
| 33 | CT | Ethan Adams | 8 of 8 Grey College | 8 of 9 Lions | u19 |
| 34 | CT-O | Samuel Badenhorst | 4 of 6 Paul Roos | 8 of 12 WP | u20 |
| 35 | CT | Markus Muller | 1 of 1 Paarl Gim | 9 of 12 WP | u19 |
| 36 | WG/FB | Dylan Miller | 2 of 2 Rondebosch | 10 of 12 WP | u20 |
| 37 | WG | Jordan Steenkamp | 5 of 6 Paul Roos | 11 of 12 WP | u19 |
| 38 | WG | Lindsey Jansen | 1 of 2 Noordheuwel | 10 of 10 Bulls | u20 |
| 39 | CT/WG | Khuthadzo Rasivhaga | 3 of 3 Jeppe | 5 of 6 Sharks | u20 |
| 40 | FB | Zekhethelo Siyaya | 1 of 1 Westville | 6 of 6 Sharks | u19 |
| 41 | FB | Reinhardt Viljoen | 3 of 3 Oakdale | 9 of 9 Lions | u19 |
| 42 | WG | Aidan Bester | 2 of 2 Noordheuwel | 1 of 1 Saldanha RFC | u19 |
Players part of the process in 2025
| # | POS | NAME | SCHOOL | UNION | A/G |
| 1 | FH | Luan Giliomee | 1 of 1 Charlie Hofmeyr | 1 of 5 Sharks | u20 |
| 2 | FH | Vusi Moyo | 1 of 1 KES | 2 of 5 Sharks | u20 |
| 3 | CT-I | Janco Purchase | 1 of 1 Affies | 3 of 5 Sharks | u20 |
| 4 | PR-T | Ulrich vd Merwe | 1 of 1 Helpmekaar | 4 of 5 Sharks | u20 |
| 5 | LK | Tom Barnard | 1 of 1 Rondebosch | 1 of 4 WP | u20 |
| 6 | SH | Brooklyn Newman | 1 of 1 Garsfontein | 1 of 4 Bulls | u20 |
| 7 | FB | Akahluwa Boqwana | 1 of 2 Durban HS | 2 of 4 Bulls | u20 |
| 8 | LF | Adan da Costa | 1 of 1 Wynberg | 2 of 4 WP | u20 |
| 9 | SH | Elgernon Meyer | 1 of 1 Outeniqua | 1 of 2 Lions | u20 |
| 10 | FB | Unathi Mlotshwa | 1 of 1 Westville | 3 of 4 Bulls | u20 |
| 11 | PR-L | Aphiwe Shelembe | 1 of 1 Michaelhouse | 4 of 4 Bulls | u20 |
| 12 | CT-O | Gregan Jansen | 1 of 1 Duineveld | 5 of 5 Sharks | u20 |
| 13 | CT/WG | Adriano Jackson | 2 of 2 Durban HS | 2 of 2 Lions | u20 |
| 14 | PR-T | Henry du Plessis | 1 of 2 Paul Roos | 3 of 4 WP | u20 |
| 15 | LF | Bohlala Mapisa | 1 of 1 Maritzburg College | 1 of 1 Cheetahs | u20 |
| 16 | SH | Adeeb Boraine | 2 of 2 Paul Roos | 4 of 4 WP | u20 |
@Bungee (Comment #32)
Ja, last year we took 5 props, 2 hookers, 4 locks, 6 loosies, 3 scrumhalves, 2 flyhalves, 4 centres and 4 outside backs. This composition is starting to look a lot like that. I think the 5 props are set. One of the hookers will go. I think the 4 locks are set and I would be surprised if we lose another loosie (except perhaps for Gwiji who must still come back). We currently have two scrumhalves in the group, with Giliomee as the hybrid 3rd option. So they’re probably set as well. I think Moyo and Ahmed will go as our flyhalves, with Ahmed also covering 12. Then it comes down to composition for the final 8 spots: do we need 4 centres if we have Ahmed that can cover 12? I think Adams and Muller will be there and I think Badenhorst makes most sense as he plays 13 but can cover 12 too (Vorster only plays 12). Jooste, Rasivhaga and Siyaya are locks among the OBs for me. Then it’s between Steenkamp, Jansen, Vorster and Miller for the final one or two spots.
@Snelvuur (Comment #30)
I think we have a few interesting battles remaining, as there is 31-players here, and Moyo and Jooste still need to come back, leaving us with 33-players in the pool.
Hookers: Who of Van Wyk and Sithole will earn the spot of being Mnebelele’s back-up? Mnebelele played most of the minutes in last year’s tournament already, so taking 2 reserve 2’s seem a bit of a stretch, and I heard both van Wyk and Sithole have played minutes at 6 so far.
Loosies: I’m at a coin flip for all 3 loosie positions. Add to that that Norton can play 7 as well (and the previously mentioned hookers covering 6), could one of the 5 also be on the chopping block for the WC squad?
Backline: The versatility at the back is insane, and I don’t know who can truly be seen as safe bets to make the squad due to this.
@Snelvuur (Comment #30)
So down to 31 now, with Moyo and Jooste still to join the squad. Three will have to drop out. I reckon it’ll be one of Sithole or Van Wyk. Since Giliomee is the third 9 in the squad, he’ll stay. It might be between Ahmed, Miller and Vorster (depending on whether they back Ahmed’s ability to cover 12 or Miller’s ability to cover 15 more). Jooste will come in for Jansen or Steenkamp, I reckon.
Props: Oliver Reid (DHL Western Province), Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Kai Pratt (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Sibabalwe Booi (Toyota Cheetahs), Danie Kruger (DHL Western Province).
Hookers: Siphosethu Mnebelele (Vodacom Bulls), Liam van Wyk (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Mahle Sithole (Fidelity ADT Lions).
Locks: Heinrich Theron (Vodacom Bulls), James Schnetler (Fidelity ADT Lions), Riley Norton (captain, DHL Western Province), JD Hattingh (Fidelity ADT Lions).
Loose Forwards: Kebotile Maake (Vodacom Bulls), Risima Khosa (Fidelity ADT Lions), Mumbere “Wasi” Vyambwera (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Luke Canon (Fidelity ADT Lions), Gert Kemp (DHL WP), Reuben Kruger (DHL Western Province).
Scrumhalves: Matthew Fick (Vodacom Bulls), Hendré Schoeman (Vodacom Bulls).
Flyhalves: Yaqeen Ahmed (DHL Western Province), Luan Giliomee (Hollywoodbets Sharks).
Centres: Markus Muller (DHL Western Province), Ethan Adams (Fidelity ADT Lions), Christian Vorster (Vodacom Bulls), Samuel Badenhorst (DHL Western Province).
Outside Backs: Dylan Miller (DHL Western Province), Zekhethelo Siyaya (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Khuthadzo Rasivhaga (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jordan Steenkamp (DHL Western Province), Lindsey Jansen (Vodacom Bulls).
Not my story to tell…
@Westville_Boy (Comment #27)
Stop teasing and release the list
@Bungee (Comment #26)
Its not public yet. I have seen it however. I am sure they will make it public soon , seem as though leave on sunday.
@Westville_Boy (Comment #23)
Do you know when the squad for the Georgia tour is made public?
@agter_die_pale_pa (Comment #24)
I wouldn’t say out of favour.. some are injured…
The 16 player listed at the bottom, are they out of favor with the selectors or unavailable due to injury? Some well-known SBR names there.
@Bungee (Comment #20)
Hi I unfortunately cannot share it on a public domain.
Heard Pieter vd Merwe picked up a serious injury today. Will be interesting to see how the centre berths shake up now.
Anyone have any information on the newby in the squad, Owen Erasmus?
@Westville_Boy (Comment #18)
I’ve been trying to find the line-ups for this third match-up of the training camp. Do you perhaps have it?
@beet (Comment #17)
Agreed. Siyaya is the inform 15…
@Bungee (Comment #15)
Rumor has it that Miller is playing wing. Siyaya is at 15 and played both games at 15 and playing the third against uct at 15. Miller seems to be carrying and injury and same with Felix.. so no need to try make an argument for your Steenkamp as he is there in the running. But its very clear that sa u20 are very thin at wing, but i do think with Jooste being there he slots right in with rashivanga as the 14.
@Bungee (Comment #15)
I think apart from oozing creativity and having a good reading of the game, Zek Siyaya has a good boot on him. So I won’t give up on him playing at the back. I also think in rugby these days, its more important for the wings to be able to commit to tackles than the fullback, so its better position to protect a youngster.
@Bungee (Comment #14)
Yeah its a good plan to include u19s as part of a longer term plan. Must say I wish they could work on structures to create more playing opportunities. I always wonder how they know the have the best options and in-form players in these camps with no competitive age-group games being played across the board. Some Young Guns coming up but that covers just a sample of the players available and there are situations like 2025 defending champs Wits now playing in the Shield
@beet (Comment #10)
I wouldn’t be surprised if Siyaya played wing this year and fullback next, with either Miller or Felix at 15.
@beet (Comment #11)
I think with this being the first training squad that the u19s can be included, it is good to include more of them and to see who to invest in for this year. But agree, big step from SBR to u20s. Would also have liked to see Brits in the squad
@beet (Comment #11)
Undoubtedly the most surprising snub of this squad. The 9s that we had in Europe last year weren’t up to scratch, and Boraine didn’t even make the final squad, so doubt he’ll be much better. I hope the guys they’re taking over now are better, but Brits is a conspicuous absence.
@beet (Comment #9)
Ja, I agree with that assessment of Steenkamp – he’s not a stepping wing like Kolbe, but more of a running, finishing wing like Mapimpi (obviously not at the same level, but more similar to him than Kolbe). We’ll have to see about his kicking out of hand – not really seen that at all before. But I do think he’s really good in the air, especially on kick-chases and contesting on his own team’s kicks. That’s a strength that I think will translate well from SBR and be much more prominent at a higher level than it was at SBR.
The way we develop players in SA, I’m not sure its good idea to have too many u19s in an u20 national team but felt Foote and co should have given the BL 9 Jayden Brits a chance at the camp because if the u19 tour of 2025 proved anything, its that there is/was a severe weakness at scrumhalf.
@TheGoose (Comment #5)
Yeah I think Miller had better days than the ones for the SA u19 touring team last year. He’s definitely going to come under threat from Siyaya
@PietPompies (Comment #7)
The 2025 SA U20 Baby Boks drew a lot of value from the attacking prowess of their back three, so it’s logical to assume that Foote will be searching for the same attacking X-factor this year, rather than placing too much emphasis on defensive reliability. The challenge, however, is whether that same level of quality can be found again. Last year’s group was exceptional: players with outstanding lateral movement, natural creativity, and an instinctive feel for the game. They were genuine ball-players who could unlock defences through subtlety as much as through pace.
There is understandable excitement around a hot prospect like Steenkamp, but at this stage he appears more of a straight-line SBR runner. How successfully he develops the ability to step, change angles, and use his kicking game will be crucial in determining whether he can evolve into a complete back-three player at this level.
I’ve always felt that the biggest step up from schoolboy rugby to junior rugby for back-three players lies in mastering the aerial contest and improving their kicking out of hand. These are specialist skills that often only come with time and exposure. In that sense, being in your second year out of school can be a significant advantage. On the flip side, the limited game time available at junior level remains a real constraint on development, making that transition even more challenging.
@PietPompies (Comment #7)
It’s going to be interesting to see Steenkamp at a higher level, having missed Craven Week and SA Schools through injury last year. Definitely the best finisher in schoolboy rugby last year and excellent on the kick-chase too. I didn’t have any particular issues with his defence at school-level, but we haven’t seen him tested at a higher level yet.
@Snelvuur (Comment #6)
None of the back 3 players in this squad are strong defensively. Doesn’t matter which combination you select. It seems that the thinking is that attack trumps defence. Bester has plenty of pace, but never featured heavily for Noordheuwel due to his poor defense. Jansen doesn’t like to tackle much. Like you say Siyaya was shown up in the u/18’s as was Viljoen in the Craven week, falling off a number of tackles and also picking up a concussion due to poor tackling technique. Steenkamp and Miller aren’t known as big tacklers. Probably the best defensive player is Rashivaga. Selection criteria for the back 3: if they score 5, we’ll score 10!
@TheGoose (Comment #5)
First need to see Siyaya’s defence at this higher level. He wasn’t that great for SA u18 last year and I think there are a few defensive chinks in his game that need sorting out – but he’s an incredible talent for sure!
@Snelvuur (Comment #1)
Miller instead of Siyaya at fullback? If he’s that good then we’re properly blessed with OB talent.
@Snelvuur (Comment #3)
Kom hulle huistoe na skool?
@Bungee (Comment #2)
Jy sal verbaas wees. Die klubs in die Boland teken glo verskriklik baie ouens na-skool uit Noordheuwel en Garsfontein uit…
The biggest question I have is how does someone from Noordheuwel end op playing for Saldanha?
Sjoh, you can put together a great side from this lot (with mainstays like Moyo and Jooste. A team I’d like to see is:
1. Reid
2. Mnebelele
3. Kruger
4. Norton
5. Meyer
6. Maake
7. Vyambwera
8. Kruger
9. Jordaan
10. Ahmed
11. Steenkamp
12. Badenhorst
13. Muller
14. Rasivhaga
15. Miller
16. Sithole
17. Khubeka
18. Smuts
19. Hattingh
20. Kemp
21. Schoeman
22. Adams
23. Siyaya