Junior Springboks make minor tweaks for crucial clash against world champions England

Gino Cupido is the only change to the Junior Springbok starting lineup for their crucial World Rugby U20 Championship pool match against England on Friday.

The Blitzbok replaces the exciting Demitre Erasmus, who suffered heatstroke after the resounding win against Australia on Sunday. Erasmus is still recovering, and the lanky Cupido is set to fill his boots, something he is very capable of doing.

South Africa U20 head coach Kevin Foote also made two tweaks on the replacement bench with scrumhalf Ceano Everson and utility back Dominic Malgas stepping into the matchday 23. They replace Erich Visser and Ian van der Merwe.

There is quiet optimism in the SA camp after their big 73-17 win over the Junior Wallabies. However, England are the reigning champions, and it will be a difficult task to overcome them.

Foote expressed excitement about the clash, acknowledging its magnitude.

“We are very proud of the guys in terms of how focused and humble they are staying after the victory over Australia, and how hungry they are for the next challenge against England,” according to Foote.

“There is a huge amount of excitement around Friday’s clash. We know how important it is, and we play against the defending champions. It is an honour to be involved in a game like this, and it is a real challenge.”

Foote added they selected the side which they feel will be suited for what the English will throw at them. Riley Norton will captain the side and his physical combination with JJ Theron will be crucial. How they go about claiming lineouts and competing against the throw, will also come under scrutiny.

With Cupido’s strike-running, he could add another dimension to the attack. However, if the backline can gel as they did against the Aussies, they will be tough to keep in check.

“With Demitre suffering from a bit of heat stroke, we brought in Gino at outside centre, while Ceano and Dominic cover scrumhalf, centre, and flyhalf on the bench. They all played well against Australia, but we are going with a combination that we feel is well suited for us against England.”

Junior Springboks

15 Gilermo Mentoe, 14 Cheswill Jooste, 13 Gino Cupido, 12 Albie Bester, 11 Siyabonga Ndlozi, 10 Vusi Moyo 9, Haashim Pead 8, Wandile Mlaba 7, Bathobele Hlekani, 6 Xola Nyali, 5 JJ Theron, 4 Riley Norton (captain), 3 Herman Lubbe, 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele, 1 Simphiwe Ngobese.

Replacements: 16 Jaundré Schoeman, 17 Oliver Reid, 18 Jean Erasmus, 19 Jaco Grobbelaar, 20 Matt Romao, 21 Ceano Everson, 22 Dominic Malgas, 23 Jaco Williams.