Theron tweaks Junior Boks

 

Western Province centre EW Viljoen will earn a first starting berth for the Junior Springboks in their Under-20 World Cup Pool B decider on Wednesday.

 

He replaces Blue Bulls centre John Jackson, who played in the previous two outings against Italy and Samoa. Jackson drops out of the matchday squad.

 

Viljoen, who will anchor the midfield with provincial partner Daniel du Plessis, is one of two backline changes to the team that faced Samoa. His Western Province teammate Khanyo Ngcukana, who played against Italy in the opening match, reclaims his place in the starting XV in place of Grant Hermanus on the right wing.

 

Western Province flank Jacques Vermeulen, who started four matches for the Junior Boks in New Zealand last year and who came off the bench last Saturday, will start in the No.6 jersey. He switches places with Dan du Preez, who has been named among the replacements.

 

The South Africans will round off their preparations on Tuesday evening for this important fixture.

 

Dawie Theron, the Junior Springbok coach, said his team is well-prepared for the game.

 

"We have picked a very competitive side to face the quality Australian outfit. They showed with their two wins against Samoa and Italy that they are a huge threat, especially with the ball in hand, so we will have to work hard to counter their strong points," said Theron.

 

The big South Africa U20 pack have been in impressive form at the tournament so far and Theron expects another good display from his forward unit.

 

"Our forwards are showing good form and the key for us will be to keep our momentum, reduce the number of errors and to create more opportunities for our backs," said Theron. 

 

South Africa and Australia are only separated by points difference at the top of the Pool B standings, and the winner will qualify automatically for the semifinals on June 15. The pool winners and the best-placed second team across the three respective groups will qualify for the semifinals.

 

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 Jacques Vermeulen, 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 Grant Hermanus.

 

Date: Saturday, June 10

Venue: Stadio San Michele, Calvisano

Kick-off: 20.30 (18.30 GMT)

Referee: TBC

Assistant referees: TBC