JWC: Similar look for Baby Bok replay

 

Jesse Kriel, the Junior Boks’ utility back, was declared ready and fit after leaving the field against Samoa because of a head blow.

 

He was named in the starting line-up, which shows a number of expected changes for the last four encounter with the tournament hosts.

 

The return of Warrick Gelant at fullback sees Jesse Kriel shifting to outside centre alongside the strong-running Andre Esterhuizen, with his twin brother Dan moving to the bench. 

 

Long-striding Lloyd Greeff reclaims his right wing spot from Duhan van der Merwe.

 

Up front, Theron picked the front row of Thomas du Toit, Corniel Els and Dayan van der Westhuizen while the loose forward combination will be Jacques Vermeulen, Cyle Brink and Aidon Davis.

 

Handré Pollard will once more captain the team from the flyhalf position.

 

Pollard and Theron both cautioned that the young Kiwis will come out hard and determined to turn the tables in front of their home supporters.

 

“We have to be sharp and alert from the first whistle because NZ will play with great determination until the final whistle,” said coach Theron.

 

“We prepared well for this match but I know we can expect a huge battle. We have to be accurate, though, because it will be a close affair and we will have to take our chances and make sure we defend well when they put us under pressure,” warned Theron.

 

For New Zealand Richie Mo’unga assumes the director’s duties after skipper Simon Hickey’s campaigned ended with a high ankle strain following New Zealand’s 54-7 victory over Scotland.

 

That match saw New Zealand edge ahead of Australia to claim the last semifinals berth.

 

“Richie has already demonstrated that he is more than capable of stepping up to the mark. 

 

"He started in the 10 jersey for our first match against Samoa, and he is well supported by Damian McKenzie with kicking duties.

 

“We’ve had a good week but we know that we have a tough battle ahead of us.  

 

"South Africa really dominated us in that last pool match and we know we have to be competitive physically and accurate with our own set piece if we want to win.

 

“Last time we didn’t really get to play our brand of rugby, so we do want to be able to compete up front, hold on to the ball, and get over the gain line.

 

“We’ve learned lots of lessons, but we know South Africa will come out firing against the black jersey.  Tomorrow night will be an epic battle, and we’re looking forward to it.

 

Anton Lienert-Brown, who assumed the captaincy role from Hickey said they were focussed but excited to play in the semifinal tomorrow night.

 

“It’s pretty special to be able to play at home in New Zealand, but we know that there will be lots of South African supporters at QBE Stadium tomorrow night.

 

"We need all the support we can get so we encourage all New Zealand and sports fans to get down to North Harbour tomorrow night and support New Zealand,” he said.

 

 

Junior Springboks: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Lloyd Greeff, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Sergeal Petersen, 10 Handré Pollard (captain),9 JP Smith, 8 Aidon Davis, 7 Cyle Brink, 6 Jacques Vermeulen, 5 Nico Janse van Rensburg, 4 JD Schickerling, 3 Dayan van der Westhuizen, 2 Corniel Els, 1 Thomas du Toit.

Replacements: 16 Joseph Dweba, 17 Pierre Schoeman, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Abongile Nonkontwana, 20 Victor Sekekete, 21 Zee Mkhabela,

22 Jean-Luc du Plessis, 23 Dan Kriel.

 

Junior All Blacks: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Vince Tavae –Aso, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown (captain), 12 TJ Faiane, 11 Tevita Li, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Mitchell Drummond, 8 Tom Sanders, 7 Lachlan Boshier, 6 Kyle Harris, 5 Geoffrey Cridge, 4 James Tucker, 3 Tau Koloamatangi, 2 Epalahame Faiva, 1 Atunaisa Moli. 

Replacements: 16 James O’Reilly, 17 Scott Mellow, 18 Tim Cadwallader, 19 Mathew Peni, 20 Troy Callander, 21 Josh Renton,22 Kaveinga Finau, 23 David Havili.

 

Date: 15 June

Venue: QBE Stadium, Albany

Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT; 09.35 SA time)

Referee: Federico Anselmi (Argentina)