Junior Boks rotate for final Georgian clash

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote has made a raft of rotational changes for their second clash with the Georgia Under-20s on Friday in Tbilisi, with Riley Norton leading SA in their final tour fixture.

The two sides also met last Sunday, with the Junior Boks showing character and determination to stage a successful comeback for a 38-29 victory in severely cold conditions.

Norton’s inclusion is one of six changes to the pack, and he forms a new lock combination with Morne Venter, while Heinrich Theron is now on the bench. The 19-year-old Norton is a product of Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch and has represented South Africa in both rugby and cricket at school.

Foote has rotated the whole front row, which will now consist of Simphiwe Ngobese, Siphosethu Mnebelele, and Jean Erasmus. Meantime, only Divan Fuller (flanker) gets a second start amongst the loose forwards, where he will be joined Thando Biyela (flanker) and Stephanus Linde (No. 8).

Versatile Dominic Malgas moves from outside centre to flyhalf in one of three tweaks to the backline, and he forms a new-look halfback combination with Haashim Pead. Scott Nel comes in at outside centre to partner the strong running Pieter van der Merwe in midfield.

“Last week was a great team effort in difficult conditions against a determined home team, who used the conditions and made us work hard to adapt which we did successfully in the end,” said Foote.

“We are expecting another physical battle against Georgia, however, we are looking forward to building on our performance and trying out some more combinations, which is the reason for our rotational changes.”

The SA U20 coach said he is pleased with how the players have embraced the challenge to adapt to the unfamiliar local conditions, which have seen them train and play in almost sub-zero temperatures, compared to summer conditions back home in Stellenbosch.

“This match is another great opportunity for us to continue to grow together as a squad, to implement our game plan, and to gauge our progress,” he said.

“Our preparations have been going very well and it’s pleasing to see the growth of the group. Everyone knows the importance of a good performance and what it means for our country, so we are grateful for the opportunity to again represent South Africa and are looking forward to Friday’s challenge.”

Junior Springboks: 15 Gilermo Mentoe, 14 Cheswill Jooste, 13 Scott Nel, 12 Pieter van der Merwe, 11 Chijindu Okonta, 10 Dominic Malgas, 9 Haashim Pead, 8 Stephanus Linde, 7 Thando Biyela, 6 Divan Fuller, 5 Morné Venter, 4 Riley Norton (captain), 3 Jean Erasmus, 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele, 1 Simphiwe Ngobese
Replacements: 16 Ranon Fouché, 17 HB Odendaal, 18 Tebogo Nkosi, 19 Heinrich Theron, 20 Xola Nyali, 21 Yabo Ndzamela, 22 Ceano Everson, 23 JT Kapank