Junior Springboks ring the changes for clash with Australia
Kyle Smith, who shone against Argentina last week, will play from the bench againt Australia on Tuesday. Picture: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images
Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote has made several rotational changes to his starting line-up and included four players who played for the South African U20s last year for their second Rugby Championship U20 match against Australia at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Tuesday (kick-off 4.10pm).
The Junior Springboks managed to beat Argentina 36–25 in the opening round last Thursday, while Australia forced a late draw against New Zealand, scoring the equalising try after the hooter had sounded.
Junior Springboks change line-up
Foote has handed starts to JC Mars, Wandile Mlaba, Batho Hlekani and Herman Lubbe, all of whom played for the Junior Springboks last year.
The SA U20 coach said it is important to keep their momentum going, manage the load of the players whilst also building squad depth by giving the players exposure to top-class international rugby.
'We play three internationals against quality teams in just 11 days, and with the short turnaround time between matches, we must be smart with our player load management,' Foote said.
'We have good squad depth and it's important for the players to get a taste of international rugby, while we also want to build on our performance against Argentina, knowing that Australia will pose a huge challenge for us.'
In the front row, Simphiwe Ngobese and Lubbe will pack down as props on either side of hooker Juandre Schoeman. Riley Norton is retained at lock and will captain the team again, partnering with Morne Venter.
The loose forward combination sees Xola Nyali, who had a successful campaign with FNB Varsity Cup champions, UCT, coming onto the side of the scrum at flanker. He teams up with Hlekani, who made a strong impact off the bench in the second half against the Pumitas, while Mlaba is retained at No 8, to complete the loose trio.
Kyle Smith out, Vusi Moyo in at flyhalf
Amongst the backs there is a new halfback pairing consisting of Ceano Everson (scrumhalf) and Vusi Moyo (flyhalf), while the midfield comprises of Dominic Malgas and Scott Nel. Cheswill Jooste will start again at right wing, and he will be joined in the back three by Siya Ndlozi (left wing) and Mars (fullback).
Junior Springboks starting XV: JC Mars, Cheswill Jooste, Scott Nel, Dominic Malgas, Siya Ndlozi, Vusi Moyo, Ceano Everson, Wandile Mlaba, Batho Hlekani, Xola Nyali, Morne Venter, Riley Norton (captain), Herman Lubbe, Juandre Schoeman, Simphiwe Ngobese.
Replacements: HB Odendaal, Oliver Reid, Jean Erasmus, Neil Hansen, Thando Biyela, Elrich Visser, Kyle Smith, Gino Cupido.
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