Junior Boks change three for Argentina

STELLENBOSCH, SOUTH AFRICA - NOVEMBER 30, Dawie Theron during the South Africa under 20 training session and press conference at Coetzenburg F-field on November 30, 2011 in Stellenbosch, South Africa Photo by Carl Fourie / Gallo Images

STELLENBOSCH, SOUTH AFRICA - NOVEMBER 30, Dawie Theron during the South Africa under 20 training session and press conference at Coetzenburg F-field on November 30, 2011 in Stellenbosch, South Africa Photo by Carl Fourie / Gallo Images

Published Jun 16, 2012

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Junior Springboks coach Dawie Theron made three changes to his starting team that will play Argentina in the semi-finals of the IRB Junior Championship 2012 at Newlands on Sunday.

Two of those were forced by injury, while the third is a tactical change.

“To lose two of your frontline players in one match is not easy, but we have a strong squad and I believe the new starters will also deliver,” Theron said on Saturday.

“This is a massive occasion for us, as we can qualify for the final on home soil, something that was our aim from the start.”

Theron said Argentina could not be underestimated after they came through a very tough pool undefeated.

“They are clearly playing very good rugby and will ask questions on numerous aspects of our game and we will have to be very precise in our execution to get past them,” he said.

Both Jason Thomas (facial fracture) and Pat Howard (hamstring) started against England on Tuesday, but have since been ruled out of the tournament and replaced in the squad.

Mark Pretorius takes over the hooker duties, while Tshotsho Mbovane replaces Howard on the left wing. Pretorius' spot on the bench will be taken by newcomer Franco Marais and Raymond Rhule will wear Mbovane's old number.

In the other change, Maks van Dyk moves from the bench and will start at tight head, swopping places with Oliver Kebble.

Fit-again flanker and regular captain Wiaan Liebenberg has been named on the bench in place of Khaya Majola and William Small-Smith will again captain the team from midfield.

Team: (kick-off 7.15pm): Dillyn Leyds, Paul Jordaan, William Small-Smith (captain), Jan Serfontein, Tshotsho Mbovane, Handrè Pollard, Vian van der Watt, Fabian Booysen, Pieter Steph du Toit, Shaun Adendorff, Ruan Botha, Paul Willemse, Maks van Dyk, Mark Pretorius, Steven Kitshoff.

Reserves: Franco Marais, Allan Dell, Oliver Kebble, Braam Steyn, Wiaan Liebenberg, Abrie Griesel, Tony Jantjies, Raymond Rhule. – Sapa

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