The Junior Boks had a high-tempo hit-out against the University of Cape Town (UCT) on Monday afternoon. They are currently deep in the trenches of their pre-season programme, fine-tuning their technical and tactical preparations and game model for the 2026 season.
Central to this preparation has been the early integration of the pack under the watchful eyes of Lumumba Currie (forwards coach) and Barend Pieterse (coaching consultant).
"We brought the forwards in early so that Lumumba and Barend could get working together as soon as possible," Foote explained.
"Barend has only recently joined us, and we wanted to give them every opportunity to get stuck in with the young men."
Foote said the results of this early intervention were evident during a recent training match against UCT: "We often speak about the importance of getting our set piece right, and we saw against UCT what a great impact those two already have on the pack and the quality of the ball we are receiving. From a forwards' perspective, it's been fantastic; they are really gelling."
While the squad features several new players, Foote also pointed to a core group of returning players and the role they are playing, ensuring the Junior Bok culture remains "seamless". Players such as Riley Norton, Oliver Reid, Siphosethu Mnebelele, and Rambo Kubheka - all of whom featured for the Junior Boks in 2025 - have been instrumental in mentoring the newcomers.
"There's a lot of really good detail coming through from the coaches and the players and it's nice to have that same flow from last year," said Foote. "Watching the experienced guys bringing the new boys through is very encouraging for the coaching staff."
The SA U20 coach was also full of praise for the opposition provided by UCT, whose attractive brand of rugby provided the perfect conditioning for the training group: "Massive gratitude to UCT for hosting us. They play with such flair and excitement, and it was vital for us to get used to that speed and tempo. I have no doubt they will go deep into the FNB Varsity Cup again this year."
The physicality and pace offered by the Ikeys provided a stern test for the Junior Boks' game model. After a recovery day on Tuesday, the squad returned to the training pitch on Wednesday to sharpen its match detail ahead of another challenge, a training game against Maties in Stellenbosch on Thursday afternoon.
These local hit-outs are all building towards 15 February, when the Junior Springboks depart for a two-week tour to Georgia. The tour serves as a crucial part of their international preparations, featuring an opening clash against club side Lelo Saracens followed by two demanding internationals against the Georgian U20s in the second half of next month.
The SANZAAR Rugby Championship U20 will return to Gqeberha next month, with South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina set to compete at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium from 27 April to 9 May.
The Junior Springboks sent an early statement ahead of their 2026 campaign with a commanding 35-0 victory over Georgia Under-20 in Tbilisi on Sunday, powered by a dominant set piece and resolute defence.
A 31-man strong Junior Springbok will travel to Tbilisi for a three-match tour of Georgia later this month.
The Lions have strengthened their ranks for the coming years by securing the signature of Junior Springbok scrum-half Haashim Pead on a contract running until 2028.
