Wing Likhona Finca is set to make his startind debut for the Junior Springboks in one of seven changes to the starting lineup for the do-or-die U20 World Championship clash against England in Athlone on Tuesday.
The Junior Bok team to face England (7pm kick-off) in a vital Pool C match shows several changes from the lineup that suffered a defeat to Argentina.
Finca, who scored a try off the bench in the first pool match against Fiji, starts for at right wing, while prop Herman Lubbe is set to earn his first Junior Boks cap off the bench.
Finca’s inclusion, in place of Joel Leotlela in the No 14 jersey, is one of three changes amongst backs. Michail Damon is back in the starting line-up, as fullback in place of Bruce Sherwood, while Josh Boulle got the nod at inside centre over Phillip-Albert van Niekerk.
The there are four changes up front – Casper Badenhorst replaces loosehead prop Ruan Swart, Thomas Dyer comes in at lock, Sibabalwe Mahashe starts on the flank, and Thabang Mphafi shifts to No 8.
Junior Boks head coach Bafana Nhleko said his team realises the magnitude of Tuesday’s game and they are ready for a big battle, having put the Argentina disappointment firmly behind them.
“For us it was about getting stuck into our processes and fixing a few areas from the Argentina game, ensuring we get our energy and focus back, for what is an important game for us” said Nhleko.
“We are mentally prepared and know the scale of this encounter and we are ready to meet the challenge of an England side that’s full of confidence following two wins.
“The players pride themselves on representing South Africa and they want to deliver an improved performance.”
Junior Springboks – 15 Michail Damon, 14 Likhona Finca, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Joshua Boulle, 11 Litelihle Bester, 10 Liam Koen, 9 Asad Moos, 8 Thabang Mphafi, 7 Bathobele Hlekani, 6 Sibabalwe Mahashe, 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Thomas Dyer, 3 Zachary Porthen (c), 2 Luca Bakkes, 1 Casper Badenhorst.
Subs: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Liyema Ntshanga, 18 Herman Lubbe, 19 Jaco Grobbelaar, 20 Tiaan Jacobs, 21 Divan Fuller, 22 Tylor Sefoor, 23 Phillip-Albert van Niekerk.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
