SA U18s make 10 changes for England clash

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: SA Under-18 coach James Winstanley has made 10 rotational changes to his starting team from the side that beat Ireland, for Tuesday’s U18 International Series clash with England at Paarl Boys’ High School.

The South Africans scored a superb victory over a strong Irish outfit on Friday at Paarl Gimnasium, and according to Winstanley, the changes are intentional so that everyone in the squad gets a start in their two matches.

Only two backs are retained for the final encounter of the series with England, Akha Boqwana (fullback) and Khutadzo Rashivhaga (right wing).

Upfront, SA U18 captain Sethu Mnebelele (hooker) earns his second start, while the talented Riley Norton also gets another start at lock, as does Reuben Kruger at No 8.

Reflecting on their victory over Ireland, Winstanley said he was immensely proud of the team’s performance: “We had to dig deep at times particularly when reduced to 13 men, which was a testament to the team’s character.

“We looked very dangerous when we had the ball, scoring five superb tries, however, we will need to improve our discipline and set pieces if we are to overcome England.

“A fantastic rivalry has developed between us over the last few years, and we know they will produce their best performance come Tuesday.”

Reacting to the numerous changes, Winstanley explained it was always part of the plan.

“We are very fortunate to have an abundance of depth in our team and so there are ten changes to the starting team for this game reflecting the strength of the squad,” said Winstanley.

South Africa: 15 Akha Boqwana, 14 Khutadzo Rashivhaga, 13 Ethan Adams, 12 Janco Purchase, 11 Cheswill Jooste, 10 Vusi Moyo, 9 Adeeb Boraine, 8 Reuben Kruger, 7 Josh Neill, 6 Torren February, 5 Riley Norton, 4 AJ Meyer, 3 Aidan Botha, 2 Sethu Mnebelele (captain), 1 Phiwayinkosi Kubheka
Replacements: 16 Mahle Sithole, 17 Oliver Reid, 18 Luqobo Makadweni, 19 JD Hattingh, 20 Alutha Wesi, 21 Elgernon Meyer, 22 Yaqeen Ahmed, 23 Pieter van der Merwe, 24 Joshua Mackenzie, 25 Markus Muller, 26 Zekethelo Siyaya

Venue: Paarl Boys High Paarl
Kick-off: 13.30
Referee: TBC
TMO: TBC