England u18 announce team to face South Africa
Head coach Jonathan Pendlebury and assistant coach Will Parkin have named their England U18 Men’s side to face South Africa on the final matchday of the 2024 International Series.
England will take on the hosts at Paarl Boys’ High School this Tuesday at 12:30 BST, and the game will be streamed live on SuperSport Schools.
There are eight changes to the squad that beat Georgia on matchday two, with Aiden Ainsworth-Cave set to earn his first Series start.
Connor Treacey will earn his tenth U18 cap as captain of the 26-strong matchday squad and is accompanied by Ainsworth-Cave and Jack Marshall in the back-row, while Tom Dye switches to tight-head prop.
Noah Caluori will make his third consecutive start after scoring his second try in as many appearances in the 27-20 victory over Georgia.
Fraser Rawlins starts on the left wing this week, having scored two tries in England’s first win of the Series.
Jonathan Pendlebury said: “Reflecting on the tour so far, our team have battled with intensity and relentlessness that has seen them become a much more cohesive unit as the days have passed. Their overall improvement as players and as a squad is crucial and something that has been incredibly pleasing.
“Our performance and result against Georgia was a testament to the character of this squad, who have impressed all of us as staff on their ownership, exploration and determination to consistently ‘Get Better’ throughout the last two weeks.
“As expected, our players are extremely motivated by the challenge ahead. Taking on South Africa away from home is a privilege as well as an opportunity for the boys and we’re eager to see them put our work into practice this Tuesday to conclude the Series.”
The team:
15. Sam Winters (Bath Rugby, Harrow School, 2 caps), 14. Noah Caluori (Saracens, Mill Hill School, 2 caps), 13. Victor Worsnip (Bristol Bears, Clifton College, 2 caps), 12. Felix Champain (Harlequins, Worth School, 4 caps), 11. Fraser Rawlins (Saracens, Haileybury, 4 caps), 10. James Linegar (Bath Rugby, Kingswood Shool, 6 caps), 9. George Newman (Exeter Chiefs, Truro College, 2 caps), 8. Connor Treacey (C) (Bath Rugby, Beechen Cliff, 9 caps), 7. Jack Marshall (Saracens, The Campion School, 2 caps), 6. Aiden Ainsworth-Cave (Northampton Saints, Bedford School, 5 caps), 5. Jonno Balding (Gloucester Rugby, Radley College, 5 caps), 4. Elliot Williams (Harlequins, Gordon’s School, 5 caps), 3. Tom Dye (Northampton Saints, Ipswich School, 3 caps), 2. Tom Davis (Sale Sharks, St Mary’s College, Crosby, 2 caps),1. Elvis Kitenge-Fuki (Newcastle Falcons, Gosforth Academy, 2 caps). Replacements: 16. Oscar Thomas (Bath Rugby, Wellington College, 2 caps), 17. Diamond Ayiehfor (Leicester Tigers, Warwick School, 2 caps), 18. Ben Beere (Leicester Tigers, Stamford School, 2 caps), 19. Jack Murphy (Saracens, Colfes, 2 caps), 20. Ollie Hull (Northampton Saints, Stamford School, 2 caps), 21. Matthew Branch-Holland (Saracens, Ravens Wood, 2 caps), 22. Finn Keylock (Saracens, Bishop Wand School, 2 caps), 23. Cameron Ward (Bath Rugby, Cranleigh School, 2 caps), 24. Julian Nunn (Bath Rugby, Beechen Cliff, 2 caps), 25. Ben Morrow (Saracens, Millfield, 2 caps), 26. Asa Stewart-Harris (Saracens, St Albans, 2 caps).