PREVIEW: South Africa and England named their teams for Tuesday’s round of matches in the Umder-18 international series at Paarl Boys’ High School.
SA Under-18 coach James Winstanley has made 10 rotational changes to his starting team from the side that beat Ireland.
The South Africans scored a superb victory over a strong Irish outfit on Friday at Paarl Gimnasium, and according to Winstanley, the changes are intentional so that everyone in the squad gets a start in their two matches.
Only two backs are retained for the final encounter of the series with England, Akha Boqwana (fullback) and Khutadzo Rashivhaga (right wing).
Upfront, SA U18 captain Sethu Mnebelele (hooker) earns his second start, while the talented Riley Norton also gets another start at lock, as does Reuben Kruger at No 8.
Reflecting on their victory over Ireland, Winstanley said he was immensely proud of the team’s performance: “We had to dig deep at times particularly when reduced to 13 men, which was a testament to the team’s character.
“We looked very dangerous when we had the ball, scoring five superb tries, however, we will need to improve our discipline and set pieces if we are to overcome England.
“A fantastic rivalry has developed between us over the last few years, and we know they will produce their best performance come Tuesday.”
Reacting to the numerous changes, Winstanley explained it was always part of the plan.
“We are very fortunate to have an abundance of depth in our team and so there are ten changes to the starting team for this game reflecting the strength of the squad,” said Winstanley.
England coach Jonathan Pendlebury made eight changes to the squad that overcame Georgia.
Pendlebury named Bath’s Connor Treacey to earn his 10th U18 cap as captain of the 26-strong matchday squad and is accompanied by Aiden Ainsworth-Cave of Northampton Saints and Saracens’ Jack Marshall in the back row.
Marshall’s clubmate Noah Caluori will make his third consecutive start after scoring his second try in as many appearances in a 27-20 victory over Georgia last Friday.
Fraser Rawlins’ try brace contributed to England’s first win of the Series and he starts from the left wing this week, with Tom Dye (Northampton Saints) switching to tighthead prop.
“Reflecting on the tour so far, our team have battled with intensity and relentlessness that has seen them become a much more cohesive unit as the days have passed,” Pendlebury said.
“Their overall improvement as players and as a squad is crucial and something that has been incredibly pleasing.
“Our performance and result against Georgia was a testament to the character of this squad, who have impressed all of us as staff on their ownership, exploration and determination to consistently ‘Get Better’ throughout the last two weeks.
“As expected, our players are extremely motivated by the challenge ahead.
“Taking on South Africa away from home is a privilege as well as an opportunity for the boys and we’re eager to see them put our work into practice this Tuesday to conclude the Series.”
Teams
South Africa: 15 Akha Boqwana, 14 Khutadzo Rashivhaga, 13 Ethan Adams, 12 Janco Purchase, 11 Cheswill Jooste, 10 Vusi Moyo, 9 Adeeb Boraine, 8 Reuben Kruger, 7 Josh Neill, 6 Torren February, 5 Riley Norton, 4 AJ Meyer, 3 Aidan Botha, 2 Sethu Mnebelele (captain), 1 Phiwayinkosi Kubheka.
Replacements: 16 Mahle Sithole, 17 Oliver Reid, 18 Luqobo Makadweni, 19 JD Hattingh, 20 Alutha Wesi, 21 Elgernon Meyer, 22 Yaqeen Ahmed, 23 Pieter van der Merwe, 24 Joshua Mackenzie, 25 Markus Muller, 26 Zekethelo Siyaya.
England: 15 Sam Winters, 14 Noah Caluori, 13 Victor Worsnip, 12 Felix Champain, 11 Fraser Rawlins, 10 James Linegar, 9 George Newman, 8 Connor Treacey (captain), 7 Jack Marshall, 6 Aiden Ainsworth-Cave, 5 Jonno Balding, 4 Elliot Williams, 3 Tom Dye, 2 Tom Davis, 1 Elvis Kitenge-Fuki.
Replacements: 16 Oscar Thomas, 17 Diamond Ayiehfor, 18 Ben Beere, 19 Jack Murphy, 20 Ollie Hull, 21 Matthew Branch-Holland, 22 Finn Keylock, 23 Cameron Ward, 24 Julian Nunn, 25 Ben Morrow, 26 Asa Stewart-Harris.
Date: Tuesday, August 20
Venue: Paarl Boys High
Kick-off: 13.30 (12.30 UK time; 11.30 GMT)
Referee: TBC
TMO: TBC
