Kepueli Tuipulotu will captain England u/18 for their fixture against South Africa u/18 in the final round of the 2023 SA International u/18 Series, which kicks off at 15:30 at Paarl Boys High School. England won its first two matches of the series, recording a 41-0 win over France before their 76-15 win against Western Province XV at Stellenberg High School on Tuesday.
In their final game, props Jamie Miller and Billy Sela join Tuipulotu in England's front row with Junior Kpoku and Olamide Sodeke packing behind them at lock. The back row sees Ronan Daniell, Charlie West and Solomon Shand combine.
Lucas Friday and Ollie Davies are the side's starting halves while Toby Baker and Nick Lilley continue their partnership in the midfield. Following a hat-trick of tries against Western Province, Jack Bracken starts at fullback with Charlie Griffin and Angus Hall outside him on the wings.
England’s replacements are Alfie Longstaff, Will Conduit, Sam Graham, Tayo Adegbemile, Connor Treacey, Jack Lightbown, Dom Hanson, Louie Platt, Toby Wilson, Billy Pasco, Finn Newton.
England u/18 head coach Jonathan Pendlebury said: “While Western Province was able to put us under pressure around the set piece in our second match, we were really impressed with the maturity and patience our lads showed in defence and the intent with which they attacked.
"The hosts, South Africa, will play with passion in front of a vocal home crowd on Saturday, so not only will it be a tough contest but a wonderful opportunity for our players to grow in trying conditions.
“We have spoken about opportunities to continue exploring and leaving better as a team, players and people than when we arrived. We are keen to see what learning we can take into the final game and how much better we can be.”
England u/18: 15. Jack Bracken (Saracens, St Albans School), 14. Angus Hall (Saracens, The Judd School, Tonbridge), 13. Nick Lilley (Exeter Chiefs, Exeter College), 12. Toby Baker (Bristol Bears, St. Peters School), 11. Charlie Griffin (South Central London Academy, Harrow School), 10. Ollie Davies (Sale Sharks, Kirkham Grammar), 9. Lucas Friday (Harlequins, Trinity School), 8. Solomon Shand (Gloucester Rugby, Hartpury College), 7. Charlie West (Saracens, St Albans School), 6. Ronan Daniell (Harlequins, Hurstpierpoint College), 5. Olamide Sodeke (Saracens, Gravesend Grammar School), 4. Junior Kpoku (Exeter Chiefs, Finborough School), 3. Billy Sela (Bath Rugby, Beechen Cliff), 2. Kepueli Tuipulotu (South Central London Academy, Harrow School), 1. Jamie Miller (Harlequins, Whitgift School). Replacements: 16. Alfie Longstaff (Yorkshire Academy, Woodhouse Grove), 17. Will Conduit (Midlands West, Stourport College, ACE), 18. Sam Graham (Newcastle Falcons, Durham School), 19. Tayo Adegbemile (South Central London Academy, St Albans School), 20. Connor Treacey (Bath Rugby, Beechen Cliff), 21. Jack Lightbown (Sale Sharks, The Sixth Form Bolton), 22. Dom Hanson (Sale Sharks, Stockport Grammar), 23. Louie Platt (Yorkshire Academy, Mount St. Mary’s), 24. Toby Wilson (Sale Sharks, Kings Macclesfield), 25. Billy Pasco (Northampton Saints), 26. Finn Newton (Saracens, Haileybury).