In the second part of the series, DYLAN JACK breaks down the 14 backs in the South Africa U20 squad to face Argentina, Georgia and Uruguay in the upcoming international series.

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SCRUMHALVES:

Dylan ‘Bobby’ Alexander
School:: Paarl Gimnasium
Union: Western Province
Age group: U20

A bundle of energy at the base of the ruck, Alexander played for Paarl Gimnasium’s U19 A team for two years and made SA Schools in 2019. Since leaving school, he has continued his career with Western Province, while playing for Maties in this year’s Varsity Cup.

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Bradley Davids
School: Paarl Gimnasium
Union: Sharks
Age group: U19

Another Paarl Gim product, Davids was called up to the squad to replace the injured Nico Steyn, another hugely talented and promising player. Davids played behind Alexander in 2019 and signed for the Sharks in his matric year.

FLYHALVES:

Jordan Hendrikse
School: Glenwood High
Union: Lions
Age group: U20

The younger brother of Sharks scrumhalf Jaden, Hendrikse is making his own mark on South African domestic rugby, starring for the Lions in the absence of Springbok Elton Jantjies. The 19-year-old has a natural confidence and is no slouch when it comes to contact. Coach Bafana Nhleko has confirmed that Hendrikse is part of the SA U20 core leadership group.

Sacha Mngomezulu
School: Bishops College
Union: Western Province
Age group: U19

Mngomezulu burst on to the scene at just 17 years old with some truly exceptional performances for the Bishops College 1st XV. He is among the most talented flyhalves in the world in his age group and certainly has the potential to become a superstar player. The 18-year-old’s distribution, kicking technique and reading of the game are all of a high class, while he also possesses an excellent attitude when it comes to his work ethic. He did have the opportunity to move abroad, but has decided to continue his career within the Western Province structures.

Kian Meadon
School: Paarl Boys’ High
Union: Sharks
Age group: U20

Meadon was not originally included in the U20 squad when it was announced but called up, along with union teammate Brandon Wilkie, to extend the squad to 30 players. A product of Paarl Boys’ High, Meadon is incredibly talented and has represented his province and country at U18 level. He has found opportunities hard to come by at the Sharks, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but can use the international series to remind his union of his talent.

Brandon Wilkie
School: Framesby
Union: Sharks
Age group: U20

Like Meadon, Wilkie was not included in the original squad. However, he is equally talented and has been part of SA Rugby’s Elite Player Development squad since 2019 and captained his high school’s 1st XV, while also playing for Eastern Province’s U18 team.

CENTRES:

Ethan James
School: Paarl Gimnasium
Union: Western Province
Age group: U19

A superbly skilful outside centre, James first played for Paarl Gim’s 1st XV at 17 years old in 2019. The pandemic robbed him of an opportunity to have a proper go at making the SA Schools side in 2020, but he has been part of the EPD system in 2017. His combination with former Gim teammate Curwin Gertse is one to watch.

Mnqobi ‘Mambo’ Mkhize
School: Westville Boys
Union: Sharks
Age group: U19

South Africa’s answer to Sonny Bill Williams, Mkhize was famously shifted from the back row to the midfield when he was already 17 years old in 2019. However, the call made by Westville coaches Njabulo Zulu and Jeremy McLaren proved to be a masterstroke as Mkhize has looked like a player with immense potential ever since. His size has allowed him to give his side momentum in the carry, but it’s his distribution skills that make him really special as he has an incredible ability to free his hands in the tackle.

Canan Moodie
School: Boland Landbou
Union: Bulls
Age group: U19

Arguably the ‘bolter’ in this squad, Moodie has come in under the radar when compared to his U20 teammates. Nevertheless, the outside centre, who was schooled at Boland Landbou, is a masterful pick, having played 1st XV for two years and for Western Province’s U18 Academy team. He boasts a wonderful turn of pace and could provide that game-changing X factor.

Henco van Wyk
School: Monument
Union: Lions
Age group: U20

Arguably one of the most talented outside centres of his age group in the world, Van Wyk captained Monument’s 1st XV and represented the Lions and South Africa at U18 level. In his second year post-school, he has been integrated into the Wits Varsity Cup team and was a mainstay in the No 13 jersey, becoming one of the shining lights in what was, in truth, a disappointing 2021 season.  He has something of Jaque Fourie in his game, with the ability to break the line, plenty of carrying power and an excellent understanding of his role in the team.

Quan Horn
School: Paarl Boys’ High
Union: Lions
Age group: U20

Orginally not included in the squad, Horn was called up as an injury replacement for union teammate Zeilinga Strydom. Schooled at Boishaai, Horn played for Western Province U18 and SA Schools in 2019.  He was also part of the Lions U21 team that progressed to the final of SA Rugby’s U21 Championship last year. Also able to play at wing and fullback, Horn is an incredibly skillful player, with a tricky turn of pace to boot. The Lions clearly have high hopes for him as he recently signed a contract extension with the union.

Tyler Bocks
School: Paarl Boys’ High
Union: Lions
Age group: U20

Another exceptional centre schooled at Boishaai and contracted to the Lions, Bocks is very highly rated. He formed a lethal midfield combination with Horn at school and undoubtedly deserves his place in the squad.

OUTSIDE BACKS:

Dalvon Blood
School: Rondebosch Boys
Union: Western Province/SA Sevens Academy
Age group: U20

One of only two out-and-out outside backs in the squad (so don’t be surprised to see one of the centres or flyhalves shifted throughout the series). Blood was unlucky to miss out on SA Schools selection and is currently part of the SA Sevens Academy. As one would expect he has pace to burn but he is also deceptively strong on his feet. Blood caught the eye with an incredible try against Paarl Gimnasium which showed exactly what he is all about, making something out of nothing.

Curwin Gertse
School: Paarl Gimnasium
Union: Sharks
Age group: U19

Gertse first stood out in his Grade 11 year, scoring some extraordinary tries for Paarl Gim, including a brace in the Interschools against Paarl Boys in 2019. He was unlucky to miss out on SA Schools selection that year and missed his chance in 2020 due to the pandemic. However, his talent was apparent and he was snapped up by the Sharks. Gertse has an eye for a gap and can slice through a defence at will.

Photo: Carl Fourie/Gallo Images