Foote keeps faith in settled Junior Bok side for All Blacks title decider

South Africa head into the final-round encounter at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium top of the standings on 10 points and needing only a single log point to secure the title for the first time.

The only alteration from last weekend's victory sees loose forward Risima Khosa return to the replacements bench in place of Gert Kemp, with Foote otherwise sticking with a settled lineup for the showdown against the Kiwis.

Kick-off is scheduled for Saturday at 16:10.

"For us in rugby, it doesn"t get better than South Africa versus New Zealand," said Foote.

"They are our greatest rivals and the opportunity to play them in front of the Gqeberha crowd at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is a privilege for everyone involved with the Junior Boks.

"We have huge respect for the New Zealanders and, like us, they will be highly motivated to end the tournament on a high.

"These two teams have a history of producing memorable encounters when they meet, and it's every South African rugby player's dream to stand facing the haka and take on New Zealand."

Foote also highlighted the impact of the enthusiastic home support they've been receiving in Gqeberha, where more than 20 000 fans turned up for their opening two fixtures.

"There is a unique energy that comes with playing in the Eastern Cape," he said.

"We've felt the passion from the Gqeberha crowd since we arrived here two weeks ago and having that passionate support behind us means a great deal to the team."

On the team's preparation for this weekend's clash, Foote added: "We've had a good week of preparation. The players are excited for this massive challenge, and the staff have done a tremendous job in keeping the group close-knit and in a very positive space.

“Gqeberha is a wonderful venue to host an international tournament such as the U20 Rugby Championship, and the people of the Eastern Cape have been outstanding hosts. We hope to repay that support with a quality performance against our greatest rivals on Saturday.”

Junior Springboks - 15 ⁠Akahluwa Boqwana, 14 ⁠Jack Benade, 13 ⁠Samuel Badenhorst, 12 ⁠Ethan Adams, 11⁠ Khuthadzo Rasivhaga, 10 ⁠Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 ⁠Hendré Schoeman, 8⁠ Kebotile Maake, 7⁠ Wasi Vyambwera, 6 ⁠Luke Canon, 5 ⁠Riley Norton (captain), 4⁠ Heinrich Theron, 3 ⁠Danie Kruger, 2 ⁠Liam van Wyk, 1 Rambo Kubheka.

Replacements: 16 ⁠Mahle Sithole, 17 ⁠Oliver Reid, 18 Luan van der Berg, 19 ⁠JD Hattingh, 20 Risima Khosa, 21 ⁠Jayden Brits, 22 ⁠Vusi Moyo, 23 ⁠Jade Muller.