Junior Boks tweak side for Argentina encounter

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   Junior Springbok coach Bafana Nhleko has tweaked the starting fifteen for Thursday’s World Rugby U20 Championship encounter with Argentina in Stellenbosch
 by making five changes to the run-on side that started in the win over Fiji. 

Thursday’s Pool C clash at the Danie Craven Stadium will kick off at 19h00 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

The inclusion of Bruce Sherwood (fullback) and Phillip-Albert van Niekerk (inside centre) are the changes in the backline, in place of Michail Damon, who
 will sit out this clash, and Josh Boulle, who has been included on the bench.

Amongst the forwards, Thabang Mphafi moves from No 7 flanker to the other side of the scrum to play in the No 6 jersey where he replaces Sibabalwe Mahashe,
 who in turn moves to the replacement bench. 

Elsewhere in the starting pack, Jaco Grobbelaar is set to make his debut at lock in place of Bathobele Hlekani, who will start at flanker. Meanwhile, Nhleko
 has opted for a split of six forwards and two backs on the bench in anticipation of a huge battle up front with the powerful Argentine pack.

“When we faced them two months ago in Australia, as well as during a strong first-half showing against England on Saturday (in Athlone), Argentina displayed
 their impressive forward power, so we have to be prepared to deal with that,” said Nhleko.

Nhleko explained the variations to the match 23: “Whilst we wanted to keep the spine of the team intact, we must manage the load of the players sensibly
 because this is a demanding tournament due to the short turnaround time between matches and being adaptable in different circumstances.

“I am pleased for Jaco who missed the Australian tour with injury and his selection, coupled with the other tweaks, are part of the process to freshen
 up the team and also adapting to how we want to play against different opposition.

“We have a hardworking squad who are all contributing positively even when not playing. They are eager to continue with their learning, growth, and togetherness
 as a group.”

Junior Springbok team to face Argentina in Stellenbosch:
15 Bruce Sherwood

14 Joel Leotlela 

13 Jurenzo Julius 

12 Phillip-Albert van Niekerk 

11 Litelihle Bester 

10 Liam Koen 

9 Asad Moos 

8 Tiaan Jacobs 

7 Bathobele Hlekani  

6 Thabang Mphafi  

5 JF van Heerden 

4 Jaco Grobbelaar 

3 Zachary Porthen (captain)

2 Luca Bakkes 

1 Ruan Swart 
Replacements

16 Ethan Bester

17 Liyema Ntshanga 

18 Casper Badenhorst 

19 Thomas Dyer 

20 Keanu Coetsee 

21 Sibabalwe Mahashe 

22 Tylor Sefoor 

23 Joshua Boulle

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Transvaal Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Joined: 30-Mar-2016 Status: Offline Points: 39337	Post Options Post Reply Quote Transvaal Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Junior Boks tweak side for Argentina encounter Posted: 02-Jul-2024 at 2:10pm
	Junior Springbok coach Bafana Nhleko has tweaked the starting fifteen for Thursday’s World Rugby U20 Championship encounter with Argentina in Stellenbosch by making five changes to the run-on side that started in the win over Fiji. Thursday’s Pool C clash at the Danie Craven Stadium will kick off at 19h00 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport. The inclusion of Bruce Sherwood (fullback) and Phillip-Albert van Niekerk (inside centre) are the changes in the backline, in place of Michail Damon, who will sit out this clash, and Josh Boulle, who has been included on the bench. Amongst the forwards, Thabang Mphafi moves from No 7 flanker to the other side of the scrum to play in the No 6 jersey where he replaces Sibabalwe Mahashe, who in turn moves to the replacement bench. Elsewhere in the starting pack, Jaco Grobbelaar is set to make his debut at lock in place of Bathobele Hlekani, who will start at flanker. Meanwhile, Nhleko has opted for a split of six forwards and two backs on the bench in anticipation of a huge battle up front with the powerful Argentine pack. “When we faced them two months ago in Australia, as well as during a strong first-half showing against England on Saturday (in Athlone), Argentina displayed their impressive forward power, so we have to be prepared to deal with that,” said Nhleko. Nhleko explained the variations to the match 23: “Whilst we wanted to keep the spine of the team intact, we must manage the load of the players sensibly because this is a demanding tournament due to the short turnaround time between matches and being adaptable in different circumstances. “I am pleased for Jaco who missed the Australian tour with injury and his selection, coupled with the other tweaks, are part of the process to freshen up the team and also adapting to how we want to play against different opposition. “We have a hardworking squad who are all contributing positively even when not playing. They are eager to continue with their learning, growth, and togetherness as a group.” Junior Springbok team to face Argentina in Stellenbosch: 15 Bruce Sherwood 14 Joel Leotlela 13 Jurenzo Julius 12 Phillip-Albert van Niekerk 11 Litelihle Bester 10 Liam Koen 9 Asad Moos 8 Tiaan Jacobs 7 Bathobele Hlekani 6 Thabang Mphafi 5 JF van Heerden 4 Jaco Grobbelaar 3 Zachary Porthen (captain) 2 Luca Bakkes 1 Ruan Swart Replacements 16 Ethan Bester 17 Liyema Ntshanga 18 Casper Badenhorst 19 Thomas Dyer 20 Keanu Coetsee 21 Sibabalwe Mahashe 22 Tylor Sefoor 23 Joshua Boulle