Biyela to skipper strong Junior Bok team against impressive Scotland in World Championship
Image: SA Junior Rugby X
Openside flank Thando Biyela will lead the Junior Springboks in their third and final Pool A match at the World Rugby Under-20 Championship against Scotland, which kicks off at 3.30pm on Wednesday at the Stadio San Michele in Calvisano.
Even though the SA Under-20 team shows 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.
Up front, 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 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 Under-20 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 considered.
'Thando has captained us earlier this year, Stephanus Linde played for us against Georgia, while Matt Romao was our Player 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 playing 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 with 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,' said Foote.
Foote said they have done their homework on Scotland, know what to expect, and have a 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 big threat for us. We will not underestimate them. We are looking forward to an exciting challenge on Wednesday.'
Junior Boks starting XV: 15 Gilermo Mentoe, 14 Cheswill Jooste, 13 Gino Cupido, 12 Dominic Malgas, 11 Jaco Williams, 10 Vusi Moyo, 9 Ceano Everson, 8 Stephanus Linder, 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
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