Junior Boks rotate squad for final Georgian clash
Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote has made a raft of rotational changes for the SA u20 side’s second clash with Georgia u20 on Friday in Tbilisi. Riley Norton will lead the South African team in their final tour fixture, which kicks off at 15:00 (SA time).
When the sides met on Sunday, the Junior Boks showed character and determination to stage a successful comeback and record a 38-29 victory in severely cold conditions.
Norton’s inclusion is one of six changes to the pack, and he forms a new lock combination with Morné Venter, with Heinrich Theron moving to the bench. The 19-year-old Norton, a product of Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch, made both the SA Schools rugby and cricket teams while at school.
Foote has rotated the front row, which will now feature Simphiwe Ngobese, Siphosethu Mnebelele, and Jean Erasmus.
Only flank Divan Fuller gets a second start among the loose forwards. He’ll be joined in the loose trio by fellow flank, Thando Biyela, and eighthman, Fano Linde.
The versatile Dominic Malgas moves from outside centre to flyhalf in one of three tweaks to the backline. He’ll form a new-look halfback combination with Haashim Pead. Scott Nel takes over at outside centre and will partner the strong running Pieter van der Merwe in midfield.
“Last week was a great team effort in difficult conditions against a determined home team, who used the conditions and made us work hard to adapt, which we did successfully in the end,” Foote reflected on the first meeting of the teams.
“We are expecting another physical battle against Georgia. However, we are looking forward to building on our performance and trying out some more combinations, which is the reason for our rotational changes.”
The SA u20 coach said he is pleased with how the players have embraced the challenge to adapt to the unfamiliar local conditions, which have seen them train and play in almost sub-zero temperatures after preparing in summer conditions back home in Stellenbosch.
“This match is another great opportunity for us to continue to grow together as a squad, to implement our game plan, and to gauge our progress,” he said.
“Our preparations have been going very well and it is pleasing to see the growth of the group. Everyone knows the importance of a good performance and what it means for our country, so we are grateful for the opportunity to again represent South Africa and are looking forward to Friday’s challenge.”
Junior Springbok team to face Georgia
15 Gilermo Mentoe, 14 Cheswill Jooste, 13 Scott Nel, 12 Pieter van der Merwe, 11 Chijindu Okonta, 10 Dominic Malgas, 9 Haashim Pead, 8 Fano Linde, 7 Thando Biyela, 6 Divan Fuller, 5 Morné Venter, 4 Riley Norton (captain), 3 Jean Erasmus, 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele, 1 Simphiwe Ngobese. Replacements: 16 Ranon Fouché, 17 HB Odendaal, 18 Tebogo Nkosi, 19 Heinrich Theron, 20 Xola Nyali, 21 Yabo Ndzamela, 22 Ceano Everson, 23 JT Kapank.
Issued by SA Rugby Communications
