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Kolbe & co. line up for Baby Boks

PUBLISHED: June 4, 2013


The South Africa Under-20 team to face the United States in their first match of the 2013 IRB Junior World Championships has been named, with DHL WP’s Cheslin Kolbe raring to go at fullback.

Kolbe will line up in the No.15 jersey, in a backline including fellow Western Province Rugby Institute graduate, Justin Geduld, at outside centre.

Western Province youngsters, Michael Willemse and Sti Sithole, will warm the bench as hooker and prop reserves, respectively – adding significant depth to an already powerful SA Under-20 unit.

Both Kolbe and Willemse starred for the DHL Western Province Vodacom Cup side earlier this season, whilst Sithole played for the UCT Varsity Cup team this year and Geduld has featured prominently for the Springbok Sevens outfit.

Dawie Theron, the Junior Springboks’ coach, said his troops were raring to go. “The players are eager to get going and to get the first match under the belt,” said Theron.

“Our preparations have gone very well and there is a nice vibe in the squad. The players have all worked extremely hard to be here and our preparations have also been good.

“This is an extremely tough competition and you will have to be on your best in every match. Tomorrow it will be the first outing for both teams and I know the USA will be very determined are raring to go against us.”

Wednesday’s match kicks-off at 20h45 (local and SA time) at Stade Henri Desgrange in La Roche-sur-Yon.

The SA Under-20 team to face the United States is as follows:

15. Cheslin Kolbe (DHL Western Province)
14. Luther Obi (Leopards)
13. Justin Geduld (SARU contracted)
12. Handré Pollard (Vodacom Blue Bulls)
11. Seabelo Senatla (SARU contracted)
10. Robert du Preez (The Sharks)
9. Stefan Ungerer (The Sharks)
8. Ruan Steenkamp (Vodacom Blue Bulls – captain)
7. Jacques du Plessis (Vodacom Blue Bulls)
6. Roelof Smit (Vodacom Blue Bulls)
5. Dennis Visser (Vodacom Blue Bulls)
4. Irné Herbst (Vodacom Blue Bulls)
3. Luan de Bruin (Toyota Free State Cheetahs)
2. Jacques du Toit (Toyota Free State Cheetahs)
1. Andrew Beerwinkel (Vodacom Blue Bulls

Reserves:
16. Michael Willemse (DHL Western Province)
17. Sti Sithole (DHL Western Province)
18. Aidon Davis (EP Kings)
19. Kwagga Smith (MTN Golden Lions)
20. Hanco Venter (The Sharks)
21. Dries Swanepoel (Vodacom Blue Bulls)
22. Jesse Kriel (Vodacom Blue Bulls)

23. Marné Coetzee (The Sharks)