The Junior Springbok starting fifteen to face England in their crucial World Rugby U20 Championship pool match in Rovigo on Friday shows just one change from the side that defeated Australia last Sunday in Italy, with Gino Cupido replacing Demitre Erasmus, who is suffering from illness, at centre.
SA U20 head coach Kevin Foote has also made two tactical tweaks on the bench, with Ceano Everson (scrumhalf) and Dominic Malgas (utility) now amongst the replacements, in place of Erich Visser and Ian van der Merwe.
The rest of the players who gave such a commanding performance in Calvisano are retained for what promises to be another classic battle between the U20 teams of South Africa and England, who won the tournament last year after beating France in the final in Cape Town.
With lock Riley Norton again leading the side, Foote said there is a lot of excitement building for Friday’s important clash.
“There is a huge amount of excitement around Friday and the magnitude of this match,” said Foote.
“We know how important this is, playing against the defending champions. It’s an honour to be involved in such a game and a real challenge for us this week. We can’t wait for it.
“With Demitre suffering from a bit of heat stroke, we brought in Gino at outside centre, while Ceano and Dominic cover scrumhalf, centre and flyhalf on the bench.
“Demitre, Erich and Ian all played well against Australia, but we are going with a combination that we feel is well suited for us against England.”
In the aftermath of the Junior Boks’ resounding win over the young Wallabies, the South Africans emphasised the need to keep their feet firmly on the ground, especially with a huge challenge such as England looming next.
“We are very proud of the guys in terms of how focused and humble they’re staying after the victory over Australia, and just how hungry they are for the next challenge against England,” said Foote.
The Friday evening pool match, which kicks off at 18h00, will be broadcast live on SuperSport Rugby.
Junior Springbok team to face England in Rovigo:
15 Gilermo Mentoe
14 Cheswill Jooste
13 Gino Cupido
12 Albie Bester
11 Siyabonga Ndlozi
10 Vusi Moyo
9 Haashim Pead
8 Wandile Mlaba
7 Bathobele Hlekani
6 Xola Nyali
5 JJ Theron
4 Riley Norton (captain)
3 Herman Lubbe
2 Siphosethu Mnebelele
1 Simphiwe Ngobese
Replacements:
16 Jaundré Schoeman
17 Oliver Reid
18 Jean Erasmus
19 Jaco Grobbelaar
20 Matt Romao
21 Ceano Everson
22 Dominic Malgas
23 Jaco Williams