Junior Boks stick to tried and tested for England semifinal
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote has made four personnel changes to his starting team for their Junior World Championship semifinal against England in Tbilisi on Monday evening, as the SA Under-20s aim to secure a place in the tournament Final.
There are two changes in the backline and two in the forwards from the side that defeated Wales in their final Pool A encounter earlier this week in the Georgian capital.
Foote has also opted for six forwards and two backs on the replacements bench, underlining the physical challenge expected from England.
In the forwards, Kebotile Maake will start at openside flanker, with Luke Cannon named on the blindside and Gert Kemp at No 8. They replace Risima Khosa, who is on the bench, and Vujo Gwiji in the loose forwards.
The backline changes see Markus Muller back at outside centre in place of Samuel Badenhorst, while Luan Giliomee returns to the starting lineup at fullback after successfully completing his head injury assessment protocols. Giliomee takes over from Alzeadon Felix, who provides backline cover from the bench.
South Africa U20: 15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Cheswill Jooste, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Ethan Adams, 11 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Hendré Schoeman, 8 Gert Kemp, 7 Luke Cannon, 6 Kebotile Maake, 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 Thomas Beling, 21 Risima Khosa, 22 Jayden Brits, 23 Alzeadon Felix
Date: Monday, July, 13
Venue: Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi
Kick-off: 20.30 GET (18.30 SAST; 16.30 GMT)
Referee: Kevin Bralley (France)
Assistant referees: Reuben Keane (Australia), Saba Abulashvili (Georgia)
TMO: Paulo Duarte (Portugal)
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