Tylor Sefoor starts at flyhalf while JF van Heerden shifts to flanker in a new-look Junior Springbok 23 for Sunday’s U20 World Championship clash with Argentina in Cape Town.
The Junior Bok front row is freshened up with only captain Zachary Porthen remaining from the starting trio against England at Athlone Stadium in midweek. Porthen anchors the scrum alongside loosehead prop Ruan Swart and hooker Ethan Bester.
Van Heerden moves from lock to blindside flanker in the back row, which also features the return of Tiaan Jacobs at No 8.
Sefoor takes over the No 10 duties alongside scrumhalf Asad Moos. Other rotations in the backline see Phillip-Albert van Niekerk back at inside centre and Joel Leotlela at right winger. Michail Damon is retained at fullback.
The replacements show a return to a 5-3 split, with the versatile Ezekiel Ngobeni included after missing the last two games due to injury. Hassiem Pead is set to earn his first run off the bench.
WATCH: Money Man backs Boks to sweep Ireland
“A couple of the players haven’t featured, and the rotation will give them team the opportunity to play Test match rugby against a quality Argentina outfit,” said Junior Bok head coach Bafana Nhleko.
“We also had injuries to Likhona Finca, Thabang Mphafi, both who have been ruled out of the competition, and Josh Boulle just missed being ready by a few days.
“It will also give the squad another opportunity to grow their international experience, which is important for our future player pathway.”
Nhleko said that although the loss to England was a huge disappointment, it was an improved performance from Argentina and they are desperate to end well with two games remaining, and they want to finish as high as possible.
After falling to Argentina in their second pool match, the Junior Boks know what to expect from the South Americans at Cape Town Stadium.
“They get their energy from the maul and the breakdown, so we will have to be competitive in those areas to deny them the momentum and energy they want,” said Nhleko.
“Our intensity must be matched by good execution; we want to create opportunities and showcase our attacking capabilities.”
Junior Springboks – 15 Michail Damon, 14 Joel Leotlela, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Phillip-Albert van Niekerk, 11 Litelihle Bester, 10 Tylor Sefoor, 9 Asad Moos, 8 Tiaan Jacobs, 7 JF van Heerden, 6 Sibabalwe Mahashe, 5 Jaco Grobbelaar, 4 Thomas Dyer, 3 Zachary Porthen (c), 2 Ethan Bester, 1 Ruan Swart.
Subs: 16 Juan Smal, 17 Liyema Ntshanga, 18 Casper Badenhorst, 19 Bathobele Hlekani, 20 Divan Fuller, 21 Hassiem Pead, 22 Bruce Sherwood, 23 Ezekiel Ngobeni.
Photo: @SAJuniorRugby/Twitter
The post Junior Boks mix and match for Pumitas clash appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
