Junior Boks call up Mlaba as injury replacement

The Junior Springboks have called up outside back Wandile Mlaba as replacement for Likhona Finca, who sustained a hand injury and will not be in contention Friday’s clash with Wales in Cape Town.

The match at DHL Stadium kicks off at 2pm and is the SA U20s’ last World Rugby Under-20 Championship fixture.

Apart from Finca, three more players were also ruled out of selection for Friday's clash with Wales in Cape Town: Tiaan Jacobs (ankle), Michail Damon (groin) and Thabang Mahashe (concussion).

Wandile Mlaba has joined the #JuniorBoks in Cape Town with four players ruled out of their last #WorldRugbyU20s clash - more here: https://t.co/hDeAj0uIvd 🚑#JourneyToGreatness pic.twitter.com/yjOMDx9erz

— SA Junior Rugby (@SAJuniorRugby) July 16, 2024

According to team physician, Dr Clement Plaatjies, the short turnaround time between matches means it’s a challenge for injured players to recover in time for the next match.

“Minor injuries take about a week to recover from, but the time frame of this competition means it is a challenge to do that,” said Dr Plaatjies.

“I think it’s a testament to our conditioning that, up to now, we've been able to cope well with getting the majority of players to be in contention for selection.”

Junior Bok coach Bafana Nhleko will announce the team for Friday’s seventh-place playoff against Wales at 3pm on Wednesday.