The Junior Springbok side to face France in their vital U20 Six Nations Summer Series clash in Verona on Tuesday has undergone several changes, which include a number of positional switches.
The South Africans won their previous two Pool A matches – against England and Ireland – and a win will have them topping their group to set up a playoff match with the Pool B winner.
For Tuesday’s pool decider, props Lamla Nunu and Sebastian Lombard come back into the starting XV, as does loose forward Ruan Venter.
Scrumhalf Neil le Roux is handed a start while Nico Steyn, who started in the victories over England and Ireland, is now set to make an impact off the bench.
Meanwhile, the backline has undergone several tweaks, with Suleiman Hartzenberg moving from wing to inside centre, replacing the injured Carlton Banies. With Hartzenberg partnering Ethan James in midfield, Imad Khan now slots into the vacant left wing position.
Donovan Don shifts from right wing to fullback, opening the way for Katlego Letebele – who came off the bench against Ireland – to earn his first start among the outside backs.
ALSO: More to come from Junior Boks, says Hanekom
In a strong second half, the Junior Boks overcame England in the opening round, while the SA U20s gave a powerful first-half display to put them out of reach against U20 Six Nations and Grand Slam winners, Ireland.
Reinhardt Ludwig, who has formed a good partnership in the second row with Connor Evans, knows the contest against France will be a tough one as it will determine the outcome of this difficult group.
“You can’t complain too much if you win two games, but the desire is there to always improve,” said Ludwig, who added that the Junior Boks were a bit rusty against England, but made a good start against Ireland.
“We slipped up a bit in the second half [against the Irish], but that has made us hungry and we’ve put in some good prep work for the French game.”
He added: “France won the U20 Six Nations and U20 World Championship in previous years and we are expecting a tough, physical match. They have a good, skilful side and are coached well, so they will pose a massive threat.”
In Pool B, Wales and Italy both have 10 points from their two bonus-point wins. They face each other on Wednesday with first place in the group at stake.
Junior Springboks – 15 Donovan Don, 14 Katlego Letebele, 13 Ethan James, 12 Suleiman Hartzenberg, 11 Imad Khan, 10 Sacha Mngomezulu (c), 9 Neil le Roux, 8 Cameron Hanekom, 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Reinhardt Ludwig, 4 Connor Evans, 3 Sebastian Lombard, 2 Tiaan Lange, 1 Lamla Nunu.
Subs: 16. Lukhanyo Vokozela, 17 Juann Else, 18 Corne Weilbach, 19 Merwe Olivier, 20 Siya Ningiza, 21 Nico Steyn, 22 Duran Koevort, 23 Latica Nela, 24 Sivu Mabece, 25 Louw Nel, 26 Gcino Mdletshe.
