The Junior Springboks have announced a team showing five changes to face Wales in the IRB Junior World Championships semifinal in Vannes, France, on Tuesday.
Despite the five changes, there are still four DHL Western Province youngsters in the matchday 23 – starting fullback Cheslin Kolbe and replacements Michael Willemse (hooker), Sti Sithole (prop) and Justin Geduld (centre).
Sithole, Kolbe and Geduld are all, of course, graduates of last year’s WP Rugby Institute intake.
Amongst the backs, flyhalf Robert du Preez returns to play in the No.10 jersey, while Handr? Pollard moves to inside centre in place of Rohan Janse van Rensburg. Stefan Ungerer reclaims the No.9 jersey from Sharks teammate Hanco Venter.
Andrew Beerwinkel will start at loosehead prop in place of DHL WP’s Sti Sithole, while Luan de Bruin is restored to the side after missing the match against France because of suspension. De Bruin?s suspension of four weeks was set aside following a successful appeal. Marn? Coetzee therefore moves to the bench to make way for De Bruin.
Amongst the replacements, flanker Kwagga Smith comes in for the injured Jannes Kirsten whilst Geduld – who missed the French match because of a slight knee injury – was included amongst the backs after passing a fitness test on Monday.
Junior Springboks coach, Dawie Theron, commented: “This is a very important match for us and we know that Wales is a well-coached side with a good structure and especially a very good kicking game.
“We have done our homework and believe that we are a well-prepared physical side and we are comfortable with the way we want to play. The team is looking forward to play in this semifinal match.”
Kick-off time is 18h15 and SuperSport will broadcast both of tomorrow’s semifinals live.
The SA Under-20 team to play Wales is as follows:
15. Cheslin Kolbe (DHL Western Province)
14. Luther Obi (Platinum Leopard)
13. Dries Swanepoel (Vodacom Blue Bulls)
12. Handr? 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. Irn? 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. Percy Williams (MTN Golden Lions)
21. Justin Geduld (SARU contracted)
22. Jesse Kriel (Vodacom Blue Bulls)
23. Marn? Coetzee (The Sharks)