Junior Boks tweak side for Argentina encounter

Junior Springbok coach Bafana Nhleko has tweaked the starting fifteen for Thursday’s World Rugby U20 Championship encounter with Argentina in Stellenbosch by making five changes to the run-on side that started in the win over Fiji.

Thursday’s Pool C clash at the Danie Craven Stadium will kick off at 7pm and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

The inclusion of Bruce Sherwood (fullback) and Phillip-Albert van Niekerk (inside centre) are the changes in the backline, in place of Michail Damon, who will sit out this clash, and Josh Boulle, who has been included on the bench.

Among the forwards, Thabang Mphafi moves from No 7 flanker to the other side of the scrum to play in the No 6 jersey where he replaces Sibabalwe Mahashe, who in turn moves to the replacement bench.

Elsewhere in the starting pack, Jaco Grobbelaar is set to make his debut at lock in place of Bathobele Hlekani, who will start at flanker. Meanwhile, Nhleko has opted for a split of six forwards and two backs on the bench in anticipation of a huge battle up front with the powerful Argentine pack.

“When we faced them two months ago in Australia, as well as during a strong first-half showing against England on Saturday (in Athlone), Argentina displayed their impressive forward power, so we have to be prepared to deal with that,” said Nhleko.

Nhleko explained the variations to the match 23: “While we wanted to keep the spine of the team intact, we must manage the load of the players sensibly because this is a demanding tournament due to the short turnaround time between matches and being adaptable in different circumstances.

“I am pleased for Jaco who missed the Australian tour with injury and his selection, coupled with the other tweaks, are part of the process to freshen up the team and also adapting to how we want to play against different opposition.

“We have a hardworking squad who are all contributing positively even when not playing. They are eager to continue with their learning, growth, and togetherness as a group.”

Junior Springbok team to face Argentina in Stellenbosch:

15 Bruce Sherwood

14 Joel Leotlela

13 Jurenzo Julius

12 Phillip-Albert van Niekerk

11 Litelihle Bester

10 Liam Koen

9 Asad Moos

8 Tiaan Jacobs

7 Bathobele Hlekani

6 Thabang Mphafi

5 JF van Heerden

4 Jaco Grobbelaar

3 Zachary Porthen (captain)

2 Luca Bakkes

1 Ruan Swart

Replacements

16 Ethan Bester

17 Liyema Ntshanga

18 Casper Badenhorst

19 Thomas Dyer

20 Keanu Coetsee

21 Sibabalwe Mahashe

22 Tylor Sefoor

23 Joshua Boulle