The final round of pool fixtures begins on Tuesday with frontrunners South Africa against France as the Junior Boks look to wrap up top spot in their group with a victory. The Junior Springboks have opted to mix it up ahead of their final Pool A match at 17h00 this afternoon at the Payaninni Centre, Verona.
Props Lamla Nunu and Sebastian Lombard come back into the starting team, as does loose forward Ruan Venter, while Neil le Roux is handed the No.9 shirt against France.
Nico Steyn, who started in the victories over England and Ireland, is named on the bench and Suleiman Hartzenberg moves from wing to inside centre to replace injured Carlton Banies.
Hartzenberg is partnered by Ethan James in midfield, Imad Khan slots into the vacant left-wing position and Donovan Don shifts from right-wing to fullback.
Ludwig, who has formed a good partnership with Connor Evans of DHL Western Province so during the Summer Series, knows the contest against France will be a tough one as it will determine the outcome of this difficult group.
“You can't complain too much if you win two games, but the desire is there to always improve,” explained Ludwig, who added they were a bit rusty against England and made a good start against Ireland.
“We slipped up a bit in the second half (against the Irish), but that has made us hungry and we've put in some good prep work for the French game,” he said.
The Junior Bok vice-captain described France as a quality side and said they will have to play very well if they want to be successful: “They've won the U20 Six Nations and U20 World Championship in previous years and we are expecting a tough, physical match. They have a good, skilful side and are coached well, so they will pose a massive threat.”
France has also made several changes from the side that went down to England 29-20 last time out, including the promotion of Jefferson Joseph from the bench to the wing.
Louis Bielle-Biarrey switches from left-wing to fullback, with Ethan Randle replacing him on the flank, while Leo Barre joins Baptiste Jauneau in the half-back partnership.
Up front, Connor Sa comes back into the starting line-up along with Elliot Yemsi, with Brent Liufau, Noah Della Schiava, Maxime Baudonne and Killian Tixeront also in from the off.
Teams:
South Africa: 15. Donovan Don, 14. Katlego Letebele, 13. Ethan James, 12. Suleiman Hartzenberg, 11. Imad Khan, 10. Sacha Mngomezulu, 9. Neil le Roux, 8. Cameron Hanekom, 7. Ruan Venter, 6. Paul de Villiers, 5. Reinhardt Ludwig, 4. Connor Evans, 3. Sebastian Lombard, 2. Tiaan Lange, 1. Lamla Nunu. Replacements: 16. Lukhanyo Vokozela, 17. Juann Else, 18. Corne Weilbach, 19. Merwe Olivier, 20. Siya Ningiza, 21. Nico Steyn, 22. Duran Koevort, 23. Latica Nela, 24. Sivu Mabece, 25. Louw Nel, 26. Gcino Mdletshe
France: 15. Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 14. Jefferson Joseph, 13. Emilien Gailleton, 12. Gatien Masse, 11. Ethan Randle, 10. Leo Barre, 9. Baptiste Jauneau, 8. Killian Tixeront; 7. Maxime Baudonne, 6. Noah Della Schiava, 5. Brent Liufau, 4. Samuel M’Foudi, 3. Eliott Yemsi, 2. Connor Sa, 1. Thomas Moukoro. Replacements: 16. Benjamin Boudou, 17. Pierre-Samuel Pacheco, 18. Robin Bellemand, 19. Theo Ntamack, 20. Leo Banos, 21. Jules Coulon, 22. Simon Tarel, 23. Mateo Garcia, 24. Montgaillard, 25. Nicolas Depoortere, 26. Max Auriac