Junior Springbok coach Bafana Nhleko at training. (Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)
- The Junior Springboks face Argentina on Thursday in their second game at the World Rugby U20 Championship.
- Coach Bafana Nhleko has made five changes to the side that defeated Fiji on Saturday.
- Two changes are in the backline, while three at in the pack.
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There are five changes to the run-on Junior Springbok side to take on Argentina in their second match at the World Rugby U20 Championship on Thursday.
Two changes in the backline see the inclusion of Bruce Sherwood (fullback) and Phillip-Albert van Niekerk (inside centre) in place of Michail Damon, who will sit out this clash, and Josh Boulle, who has been included on the bench.
In the forwards, Thabang Mphafi moves from the 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.
At lock, Jaco Grobbelaar will make his debut in place of Bathobele Hlekani, who moves to flank.
Junior Bok coach Bafana 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,”
Thursday’s Pool C clash at the Danie Craven Stadium will kick off at 19h00 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
Junior Springbok team to face Argentina
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
Substitutes: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Liyema Ntshanga, 18 Casper Badenhorst, 19 Thomas Dyer, 20 Keanu Coetsee, 21 Sibabalwe Mahashe, 22 Tylor Sefoor, 23 Joshua Boulle
