The Junior Springboks have made several changes to their match-day squad for Sunday’s playoff match with Argentina in the DHL Stadium in Cape Town. The match starts at 14h00 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
The SA U20 front row is freshened up with only captain Zachary Porthen remaining from the starting trio against England. Porthen anchors the scrum alongside Ruan Swart (prop) and Ethan Bester (hooker).
JF van Heerden moves from lock to blindside flanker in a new-look loose trio, which also features the return of Tiaan Jacobs at No 8.
Amongst the backs, Tyloor Sefoor takes over the flyhalf duties to form a different halfback partnership with Asad Moos. Other rotations in the backline see Phillip-Albert van Niekerk back at inside centre and Joel Leotlela at right wing, while Michail Damon is retained at fullback.
The bench shows a return to a split of five forward and three backs, with the versatile Ezekiel Ngobeni included after missing the last two games following an injury he picked up against Fiji two weeks ago. Hassiem Pead is set to gain his first run off the bench.
Junior Bok head coach Bafana Nhleko said there were several reasons for the team shuffle.
“A couple of the players haven’t featured, and the rotation will give them team the opportunity to play Test match rugby against a quality Argentina outfit,” said Nhleko.
“We also had injuries to Likhona Finca, Thabang Mphafi, both who have been ruled out of the competition, and Josh Boulle just missed being ready by a few days.
“It will also give the squad another opportunity to grow their international experience, which is important for our future player pathway.”
The SA U20 coach said that although the England result was a huge disappointment, it was an improved performance from Argentina and they are desperate to end well with two games remaining, and they want to finish as high as possible.
After falling to Argentina in their second pool match, the Junior Boks know what to expect from the South Americans.
“They get their energy from the maul and the breakdown, so we will have to be competitive in those areas to deny them the momentum and energy they want,” said Nhleko.
“Our intensity must be matched by good execution; we want to create opportunities and showcase our attacking capabilities.”
Junior Springbok team to face Argentina in Cape Town:
15. Michail Damon
14. Joel Leotlela
13. Jurenzo Julius
12. Phillip-Albert van Niekerk
11. Litelihle Bester
10. Tyloor Sefoor
9. Asad Moos
8. Tiaan Jacobs
7. JF van Heerden
6. Sibabalwe Mahashe
5. Jaco Grobbelaar
4. Thomas Dyer
3. Zachary Porthen (captain)
2. Ethan Bester
1. Ruan Swart
Replacements
16. Juan Smal
17. Liyema Ntshanga
18. Casper Badenhorst
19. Bathobele Hlekani
20. Divan Fuller
21. Hassiem Pead
22. Bruce Sherwood
23. Ezekiel Ngobeni
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