Loose forward Thando Biyela will lead the Junior Springboks in their third and final Pool A match at the World Rugby U20 Championship against Scotland, which kicks off at 15h30 on Wednesday at the Stadio San Michele in Calvisano.
Related: Scotland U20 Side to Face South Africa
Even though the SA U20 side show several rotational changes from the team that beat England in their previous group match in Rovigo, the match-23 to face Scotland is a strong combination filled with experience.
Fullback Gilermo Mentoe, right wing Cheswill Jooste, outside centre Gino Cupido, and flyhalf Vusi Moyo are retained from the starting fifteen that defeated England on Friday evening.
Upfront, Matt Romao (loose forward), Jaco Grobbelaar (lock), Jean Erasmus and Oliver Read (both props), and Jaundre Schoeman (hooker) all provided impact off the bench against Australia and England, and are now in the starting pack.
According to Kevin Foote, the Junior Springbok head coach, they’ve named a team that will play this important pool game with real purpose and pride against a very good Scotland side. A win will solidify the Junior Boks’ top spot in Pool A.
“We are fortunate that the players in our match-23 have experience playing for the Junior Boks against Georgia, in the U20 Rugby Championship, and also in our warm-up matches against Kenya,” said Foote.
“It is a tremendous honour for any player to represent the Junior Boks and the starting fifteen for Wednesday have earned that right because everyone has worked extremely hard to be in consideration.
“Thando has captained us already earlier this year, Stephanus Linde played for us against Georgia, while Matt Romao was our Man of the Match against Argentina in the Rugby Championship.
“Jaco Williams, Jaco Grobbelaar, and Oliver Reid have all seen a lot of action in the two previous group matches, while we have more experience that will come off the bench in Herman Lubbe, JJ Theron, Batho Hlekani, and Haashim Pead.”
The Junior Bok coach described the team to face Scotland as an experienced selection with exciting combinations.
“We have players whom we believe have a lot of experience, they know our game very well, and they have a lot of hunger to do well against what will be a highly motivated Scotland on Wednesday,” said Foote.
Foote said they have done their homework on Scotland, know what to expect from them, and have a very healthy respect for the Scottish.
“We have a strong desire to improve and we are determined to keep building on our game model, and to make sure we maintain our synergy and cohesion as a team,” he said.
“Everyone understands the threat that Scotland brings, and we feel they have played some good rugby. They attack well and their set piece has been solid; so, they will pose a very big threat for us, and we will not underestimate them. We are looking forward to meeting an exciting challenge on Wednesday.”
Junior Springbok team to face Scotland in Calvisano:
15. Gilermo Mentoe
14. Cheswill Jooste
13. Gino Cupido
12. Dominic Malgas
11. Jaco Williams
10. Vusi Moyo
9. Ceano Everson
8. Stephanus Linde
7. Matt Romao
6. Thando Biyela (captain)
5. Morne Venter
4. Jaco Grobbelaar
3. Jean Erasmus
2. Jaundre Schoeman
1. Oliver Reid
Replacements
16. Siphosethu Mnebelele
17. Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka
18. Herman Lubbe
19. JJ Theron
20. Batho Hlekani
21. Haashim Pead
22. Ian van der Merwe
23. Demitre Erasmus
K-9
As a pioneering force in the world of rugby, England played a key role in the establishment of the International Rugby Board (IRB) in 1886. The IRB, now known as World Rugby, serves as the international governing body for the sport, overseeing its rules, regulations, and competitions.
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The 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan marked the first time the tournament was held in Asia, reflecting the sport’s growing global appeal. The competition featured 20 teams, with South Africa emerging as the champions after defeating England in the final. The next Rugby World Cup is scheduled for 2023 in France.