CAPE TOWN – Junior Springbok coach Chean Roux says he’s expecting a “physical and passionate” Georgian outfit when they open their World Rugby Under-20 Championship campaign today (6.30pm kickoff, SS1).
Roux reckons their opposition’s strong forward game will make it a tough encounter.
“We were fortunate to be able to select a settled squad, which will be handy against a physical and passionate Georgian outfit,” said Roux.
Damian Willemse will form the halfback pairing with Zak Burger.
Captain Salmaan Moerat and Ruan Nortje will pair up in the second row, while flanks Dian Schoonees and PJ Steenkamp form the back row along with Muller Uys at No 8.
Rikus Pretorius and Wandisile Simelane will start in midfield, with Gianni Lombard at fullback and Tyrone Green and Sihle Njezula on the wing.
Daniel Jooste and props Sazi Sandi and Nathan McBeth will pack down in the front row, while lock Ruan Nortje will make his Junior Bok debut if he comes on.
The Junior Springboks team is:
15 Gianni Lombard, 14 Tyrone Green, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Rikus Pretorius, 11 Sihle Njezula, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Zak Burger, 8 Muller Uys, 7 PJ Steenkamp, 6 Dian Schoonees, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Salmaan Moerat, 3 Sazi Sandi, 2 Daniel Jooste, 1 Nathan McBeth
Replacements:
16 Schalk Erasmus, 17 Alulutho Tshakweni, 18 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 19 Ben-Jason Dixon, 20 Ruan Vermaak, 21 Rewan Kruger, 22 Lubabalo Dobela, 23 Lyle Hendricks.