Mkhize out of Baby Boks' opener
SA team to play Argentina
South Africa suffered a setback on the eve of their opening match at the International Rugby Board (UIRB) Under-21 World Championship, against Argentina at Riom Rugby Club in France on Friday.
Sharks Super 12 wing Cedric Mkhize , injured his hamstring during training on Thursday and was not considered for this very important opening game.
"It is obviously a major set back for us and for him," coach Pieter de Villiers said.
"But Frank Wagenstroom really performed well at training since we have been together and I know he will justify the trust that I, the rest of the management and players have in him. The Medical team will evaluate his [Mkhize's] injury before a decision will be made", the coach added.
De Villiers said he expects a tough game against the young Pumas.
"Our focus is now to overcome the first very important hurdle. They reckon that their team is the best ever Argentina Under-21 Team. They retained 15 of their players of 2005 when they ended fifth. We retained eleven players of 2005 and 10 players played Super 14 rugby this season, we are well prepared, even though we have not played one game together, we are really looking forward to the challenge."
SA Under-21: 15 JP Pietersen, 14 Frank Wagenstroom, 13 Waylon Murray, 12 Bradley Barritt, 11 Marius Delport (vice-captain), 10 Isma-eel Dollie, 9 Warren Malgas, 8 Ashley Johnson, 7 Hilton Lobberts, 6 Pierre Spies, 5 Alistair Hargreaves, 4 Nikolai Blignaut, 3 Sangoni Mxoli, 2 Chiliboy Ralapelle (captain), 1 Heinke van der Merwe.
Replacements: 16 Adriaan Strauss, 17 Werner Kruger, 18 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 19 Keegan Daniel, 20 Jano Vermaak, 21 Scott Spedding, 22 Joey Mongalo.
