A formidable 26-player South Africa U18 squad has been named, largely comprising SA Schools talent, for the upcoming international series against France and England.
The roster boasts 18 standout performers from the recent 36-26 triumph of the SA Schools team against SA Schools ‘A’, and the inclusion of Gino Cupido and Marno Stopforth is noteworthy, as they are set for action in the SA U18 Sevens squad for the Commonwealth Youth Games.
Under the guidance of head coach Katleho Lynch, supported by James Winstanley, as well as Junior Springbok mentors Bafana Nhleko and Lumumba Currie, the SA contingent is set to ignite.
The action began on Friday, with England thrashing France 41-0 at Boland Landbou, with the second round seeing SA face France, while England tackle a WP invitational team, at Stellenberg High.
The final round is at Paarl Boys’ High where SA will play England, and France will take on WP.
MORE: Faf unfazed by Bok flyhalf role
SA U18 squad: Backs: JC Mars (Western Province), Luyanda Kunene (Sharks), Gino Cupido (Western Province), Janco Purchase (Blue Bulls), Jameel de Jongh (Western Province), Ian van der Merwe (Free State), Haashim Pead (Western Province), Dominic Malgas (Eastern Province), Scott Nel (Western Province), Cheswill Jooste (Golden Lions), Christiaan van der Westhuizen (Free State). Forwards: JJ Theron (Free State), Batho Hlekani (Eastern Province), Divan Fuller (Western Province), Ulrich van der Westhuizen (Golden Lions), Jacobus Grobbelaar (Free State), Simphiwe Ngobese (Sharks), Siphosethu Mnebelele (Golden Lions), Phiwayinkosi Kubeka (Sharks), Imaani Pemba (Eastern Province), Ranon Fouche (Free State), Jean Erasmus (Free State), Thando Biyela (Golden Lions), Xola Nyali (Western Province), Lithemba Mfupi (Sharks), Marno Stopforth (Free State).
U18 International Series fixtures:
Tuesday, 15 August
Venue: Stellenberg High School (Durbanville)
1pm: England vs WP XV
3pm: SA vs France
Saturday, 19 August
Venue: Paarl Boys’ High School (Paarl)
1pm: France vs WP XV
3pm: SA vs England
Photo: @YouthWeeks/Twitter
