Mnebelele to lead SA U18s against Ireland
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Hooker Sethu Mnebelele will captain South Africa’s Under-18 side when they face Ireland in their first outing of the International Series at Paarl Gymnasium on Friday.
Coach James Winstanley said his group prepared well for the series and is looking forward to meeting the challenge of the Irish team.
With heavy underfoot conditions expected in Paarl on Friday, the SA U18s are under no illusion that a tough challenge awaits them.
Ireland delivered an impressive performance on Monday when they outplayed England 42-28 in their opening match staged at Stellenberg High School in Cape Town.
The SA U18s are determined to match the effort of the SA U18 ‘A’ side, who beat Georgia in their only clash of the series on Monday.
“We are privileged to have an outstanding coaching, medical and support staff in place and most importantly a phenomenal group of players that are excited to compete in the U18 International Series,” said Winstanley.
“Our goal as a staff is to create a gold standard experience for the players that they will remember for the rest of their lives. The overall aim of the U18 program is to expose the players to the rigors of international rugby and prepare them for the pathway to the SA Rugby Academy and the Junior Springboks.”
Winstanley also praised the players’ efforts in the build-up to the much-anticipated series: “The SA Schools camp has provided us with the opportunity to align our structures and gain the momentum needed to produce Test match performances.”
The SA U18 mentor is confident that his team will be able to give a good account of themselves in the annual series, starting on Friday against Ireland.
“The team selection reflects the importance of set pieces and go forward in order to win the gain line and breakdowns at international level,” he said.
“There is a strong probability of heavy playing conditions and so our kicking game and defence was also a factor in the decision-making process.”
Mnebelele also captained the SA Schools outfit against the SA Schools ‘A’ side last month in Krugersdorp, while AJ Meyer (lock) and Torren February (loose forward) have been drafted into the squad from the SA U18 ‘A’ team following injuries to James Schnetler and Kebotile Maake.
SA Under-18: 15 Akha Boqwana, 14 Kuthadzo Rashivhaga, 13 Markus Muller, 12 Pieter van der Merwe, 11 Zekethelo Siyaya, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Elgernon Meyer, 8 Reuben Kruger, 7 Josh Mackenzie, 6 Alutha Wesi, 5 Riley Norton, 4 JD Hattingh, 3 Ulrich van der Merwe, 2 Sethu Mnebelele (captain), 1 Siba Booi
Replacements: 16 Mahle Sithole, 17 Phiwayinkosi Khubeka, 18 Aidan Botha, 19 AJ Meyer, 20 Josh Neil, 21 Adeeb Boraine, 22 Simphiwe Moyo, 23 Janco Purchase, 24 Torren February, 25 Ethan Adams, 26 Cheswill Jooste
Venue: Paarl Gymnasium
Kick-off: 15.30
Referee: Jonathan Lottering
Assistant Referees: Dylen November, Local
