Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote has made a couple of rotational changes to the match-23 for their U20 Rugby Championship encounter against Australia at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Sunday, 3 May.
The second-round encounter kicks off at 16:10 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
The first match, between New Zealand and Argentina, starts at 14:00.
Tickets, from only R35, are still available.
One change in the forwards
The Junior Springboks’ starting pack shows one change from the side that impressed against Argentina in the opening round, with Wasi Vyambwera coming in at blindside flanker in place of Thomas Beling.
Among the backs, Khuthadzo Rasivhaga is preferred to Lindsey Jansen on the left wing, and Akahluwa Boqwana gets the nod at fullback ahead of Alzeadon Felix.
On the bench, Luan van der Berg fills the gap left by the injured Kai Pratt, while Gert Kemp will provide loose forward cover in the place of Risima Khosa, with Rasivhaga’s spot amongst the replacements filled by Jade Muller as the reserve outside back.
According to Foote, the team enjoyed a productive week of preparation in the build-up to Sunday’s meeting with Australia.
“We had a really good review of our performance against Argentina and, while we are very pleased with the result and the way the players performed on defence and attack for long periods of the match, there are obviously aspects of our game that need improvement,” said Foote.
“Our focus is playing the full 80 minutes and ensuring that we stay on our game model to meet what will be a huge challenge against an Australian side that is well coached and who boasts strong skill sets across the park.”
Pride and excitement
Foote expressed the team’s immense pride and excitement on returning to the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium for their second fixture.
More than 10 000 spectators attended the opening round of matches.
“The support we received against Argentina last week was absolutely fantastic, and we are excited to be playing in front of the passionate Eastern Cape rugby fans once again,” Foote said.
“Australia showed in their opening match against New Zealand what a massive threat they are, especially with ball in hand and their efficiency at the breakdown. It will make for a very interesting battle on Sunday.”
Junior Springboks team to face Australia in Gqeberha
15 Akahluwa Boqwana, 14 Jack Benade, 13 Samuel Badenhorst, 12 Ethan Adams, 11 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Hendré Schoeman, 8 Kebotile Maake, 7 Wasi Vyambwera, 6 Luke Canon, 5 Riley Norton (captain), 4 Heinrich Theron, 3 Danie Kruger, 2 Liam van Wyk, 1 Rambo Kubheka
Replacements: 16 Mahle Sithole, 17 Oliver Reid, 18 Luan van der Berg, 19 JD Hattingh, 20 Gert Kemp, 21 Jayden Brits, 22 Vusi Moyo, 23 Jade Muller
