Junior Springboks Step Up Preparations as Markus Muller Draws Attention

The Junior Springboks are hard at work in Stellenbosch as preparations intensify for the upcoming season, with the South Africa Under-20 squad having assembled last Saturday.

Since arriving in camp, the team has already been tested in two warm-up fixtures against the University of Cape Town’s Ikey Tigers and Stellenbosch University’s Maties, providing the coaching staff with an early opportunity to assess combinations and individual performances.

SA Rugby recently announced a training squad packed with young talent, including several players who only matriculated last year. Among them, teenage sensation Markus Muller has generated significant attention, with many tipping him as a future Springbok.

Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote believes the potential within the squad is evident, though he is cautious about expectations.

“I do see Springbok prospects here,” Foote said.

“Although the Springboks is such a massive step up, these players have done everything they can at their age-group level to put themselves in a position to go further in their careers.

“Our job is to enhance their development so they can take the next step. There is Markus, Ethan Adams, AJ Meyer — there is so much talent here.”

The rise of Muller has inevitably sparked debate, given that not all schoolboy stars go on to succeed at senior level. While players such as Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Damian Willemse have made a smooth transition, others have struggled to replicate early promise.

Addressing the attention surrounding Muller, Foote played down the hype.

“That’s the hard thing for these guys,” he said. “There’s social media and a lot of pressure. The reality is he’s on everyone’s highlight reel, but I think he’s got his feet firmly on the ground.

“He just wants to play well. If he keeps playing well, he probably deserves the hype, but his focus is on doing his job for the team.”

Foote also praised the depth of talent emerging from South African schools, crediting exposure at competitions such as Craven Week and the Under-18 International Inbound Series for preparing players for Test-level rugby.

“There is unbelievable talent coming through,” he said. “The players who have been in the squad are setting the standard, and the new guys don’t feel intimidated. That allows them to express themselves.”

One player still under consideration is Luan Giliomee, who is currently making his Blitzboks debut at the Singapore Sevens. Foote confirmed he is monitoring his progress closely.

“I think his development there will be great,” Foote said. “We could use him if Alzeadon Felix doesn’t come right, as he can cover flyhalf. I’ll be in touch with him over the next two weeks.”

Foote also addressed concerns around the growing trend of young South African players moving abroad, following reports that former SA Under-18 player Josh Neill has committed to Ireland at the same age level.

“The reality is there’s a lot of competition in South African rugby,” Foote explained. “Some players feel there may be better opportunities elsewhere.

“We can’t hold that against them. We can only select 30 players for a World Cup. If players leave, we wish them well. If they stay, we wish them well too — as long as everyone gets a fair opportunity.”

As preparations continue in Stellenbosch, the Junior Springboks appear well positioned for the season ahead, with competition for places high and young prospects eager to prove they belong at the next level.

Credit SportsBoom link: https://www.sportsboom.co.za/rugby/teenage-prodigy-markus-muller-worth-the-hype-says-sa-u20-coach-kevin-foote