Bothma in for Junior Boks

 

Bothma takes over the No.6 jersey from his provincial teammate Vermeulen, while Malcolm Jaer replaces Grant Hermanus on the bench.

 

The rest of the match squad who defeated Australia in Calvisano last Wednesday, were kept unchanged.

 

Theron said the changes are part of the team’s rotational policy.

 

“We know this tournament is a marathon and not a sprinting race and we therefore have to be sensible with our player management process. All the players are fit and in good shape and now they must go out and do the business.

 

“We are not looking at England’s previous result (they lost to France in their final pool match). They are in the semifinals and will be looking to play in a third successive final. We know they will be highly motivated and will definitely have a good plan against us,” said Theron.

 

Theron and his conditioning staff have managed the activities of the Junior Bok squad very carefully during the past few days in an effort to keep them fresh.

 

“Although we have seen some rain here the past few days, the weather is still hot and humid and we therefore tried to give the players as must rest as possible.

 

“They are refreshed again and I am very pleased with their attitude and readiness. Earlier today (Sunday) we took them for an outing to Maranello, which they thoroughly enjoyed, and will finish off our preparations with the captains run in the early evening,” added to Theron. 

 

South Africa: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Khanyo Ngcukana, 13 EW Viljoen, 12 Daniel du Plessis, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Brandon Thomson, 9 Ivan van Zyl, 8 Hanro Liebenberg (captain), 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Rikus Bothma, 5 Rudolph Snyman, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Retshegofaditswe Nche.

Replacements: 16 Jan van der Merwe, 17 Mzamo Majola, 18 Frans van Wyk, 19. Hyron Andrews, 20 Dan du Preez, 21 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 22 Tinus de Beer, 23 Malcolm Jaer.

 

Date: Monday, June 15

Venue: Stadio San Michele, Calvisano

Kick-off: 20.30 (18.30 GMT)

Referee: TBC