Super players in SA U20 squad
SARU announced on Wednesday the South African Under-20 squad to take part in the Junior World Chmapionship to be held in the Western Cape in June 2012.
Flank Wian Liebenberg will lead the side that includes five players with Super Rugby experience – Cheetahs flyhalf Johan Goosen, Stormers prop Steven Kitshoff, Lions lock Paul Willemse and two Sharks in Pieter-Steph du Toit (lock) and Paul Jordaan (centre).
Jordaan has also played for South Africa at Sevens, whilst Jordaan and Goosen were in the 2011 side that came fifth in Italy. Tshotsho Mbovane was also in that side. He and William Small-Smith have also played for South Africa at Sevens.
Flyhalf Tony Jantjies is the younger brother of Elton, the Lions pivot. Prop Oliver Kebble is the son of Springbok prop Guy Kebble. Oliver came on off the bench for the Western Province Vodacom Cup side in Oudtshoorn last weekend.
Dawie Theron, the SA U20 coach, said he was pleased with the squad and confident that the group of promising players will be able to stand up to the challenge of their formidable opponents.
Theron said: “This is the best available group of players and I am delighted with the composition of the group.
“We are mindful of the fact that we did not perform to our potential last year, so that, and the fact that we are playing at home will obviously add to the pressure.
“The JWC is the pinnacle of a young player’s career and they will be determined to give it their best effort in front of our home fans.”
The squad assembles on 24 May in Cape Town for a holding camp.
The South African Under-20 squad:
Fullbacks: Dillyn Leyds (Western Province), Marais Schmidt (Golden Lions).
Wings: Travis Ismaiel (Blue Bulls), Paul Jordaan (KwaZulu-Natal), Tshotsho Mbovane (Western Province), Dean Hammond (Western Province).
Centres: Pat Howard (Western Province), Jan Serfontein (Blue Bulls), William Small-Smith (Blue Bulls).
Flyhalves: Johan Goosen (Free State), Tony Jantjies (Blue Bulls).
Scrumhalves: Abrie Griesel (Blue Bulls), Kevin Luiters (Free State).
Flanks: Shaun Adendorff (Blue Bulls), Fabian Booysen (Golden Lions), Khaya Majola (KwaZulu-Natal), Wian Liebenberg (captain) (Blue Bulls), Braam Steyn (KwaZulu-Natal).
Locks: Pieter-Steph du Toit (KwaZulu-Natal), Marvin Orie (Blue Bulls), Ruan Botha (Golden Lions), Paul Willemse (Golden Lions).
Props: Allan Dell (KwaZulu-Natal), Oliver Kebble (Western Province), Steven Kitshoff (Western Province), Nicolaas van Dyk (KwaZulu-Natal).
Hookers: Mark Pretorius (Golden Lions), Jason Thomas (Blue Bulls).
The SA U20 JWC group fixtures are as follows:
Monday, 4 June:
South Africa vs Ireland (Danie Craven Stadium, 19.00)
Friday, 8 June:
South Africa vs Italy (UWC Stadium, 19.00)
Tuesday, 12 June:
South Africa vs England (Danie Craven Stadium, 19.00)
