Junior Bok star Ethan Adams returns to take centre stage against Wales
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote has made six changes to the starting XV and two more on the bench for Tuesday’s crucial World U20 Championship Pool A clash against Wales in Tbilisi.
The match at the Avchala Stadium kicks off at 16.00 (SA time).
Four of the changes to the run-on side that defeated Georgia at the same venue last Thursday are in the backline. Alzeadon Felix moves from the bench to start at fullback in place of Akahluwa Boqwana, while Ethan Adams returns from injury to take over at inside centre from Markus Muller.
Muller is set to enter the action off the bench as one of the three back replacements, while at left wing, Jack Benade makes way for Khuthadzo Rasivhaga.
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Yaqeen Ahmed is also back in the fold after serving his suspension and will start at flyhalf in place of Luan Giliomee, who suffered a concussion against Georgia and is currently completing the graduated return-to-play protocols, making him unavailable for selection.
The two changes among the forwards see Risima Khosa come into the starting lineup at loose forward, with Gert Kemp providing impact from the bench. Vuyo Gwiji got the nod over Kebotile Maake at No 8.
Tuesday’s late afternoon encounter is effectively a decider between the two unbeaten teams in Pool A. Wales followed up their close-fought opening-round victory over Georgia with a win against Uruguay and trail South Africa by just one log point. The winner of the clash will top the pool and secure a place in the semifinals.
South Africa U20: 15 Alzeadon Felix, 14 Cheswill Jooste, 13 Samuel Badenhorst, 12 Ethan Adams, 11 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Hendré Schoeman, 8 Vuyo Gwiji, 7 Luke Cannon, 6 Risima Khosa, 5 JD Hattingh, 4 Heinrich Theron, 3 Danie Kruger, 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele (captain), 1 Oliver Reid.
Replacements: 16 Liam van Wyk, 17 Rambo Kubheka, 18 Luan van der Berg, 19 Jaythen Orange, 20 Gert Kemp, 21 Jayden Brits, 22 Markus Müller, 23 Jordan Steenkamp.
Date: Tuesday, July 7
Venue: Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi
Kick-off: 18.00 (14.00 GMT; 15.00 UK time; 16.00 SA time)
Referee: Reuben Keane (Australia)
Assistant Referees: Luke Rogan (USA) & Soso Japaridze (Georgia)
TMO: Francisco Gonzalez (Uruguay)