Junior Bok team tweaked for crucial pool battle with Wales

Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote has made six changes to the starting XV and two more on the bench for Tuesday’s crucial Junior World Championship Pool A clash against Wales in Tbilisi.

The match at the Avchala Stadium kicks off at 4pm (SAST) and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

Four of the changes to the run-on side that defeated Georgia at the same venue last Thursday are in the backline. Alzeadon Felix moves from the bench to start at fullback in place of Akahluwa Boqwana, while Ethan Adams returns from injury to take over at inside centre from Markus Muller.

Muller is set to enter the action off the bench as one of the three back replacements, while at left wing, Jack Benade makes way for Khuthadzo Rasivhaga.

Yaqeen Ahmed is also back in the fold after serving his suspension and will start at flyhalf in place of Luan Giliomee, who suffered a concussion against Georgia and is currently completing the graduated return-to-play protocols, making him unavailable for selection.

The two changes among the forwards see Risima Khosa come into the starting lineup at loose forward, with Gert Kemp providing impact from the bench. Vuyo Gwiji got the nod over Kebotile Maake at No 8.

Tuesday's late afternoon encounter is effectively a decider between the two unbeaten teams in Pool A. Wales followed up their close-fought opening-round victory over Georgia with a win against Uruguay and trail South Africa by just one log point. The winner of the clash will top the pool and secure a place in the semi-finals.

In announcing his match-23, Foote said they are prepared for the challenge that awaits: “We want to continue building on our work ethic and battle-rate areas because we’re going to need that against a tough Welsh side that keeps fighting until the very end.”

The Welsh underlined their resilience with a one-point victory over the tournament hosts in their opening fixture, demonstrating the character and determination Foote expects to see from their opponents on Tuesday.

“Wales never go away,” Foote cautioned.

“They are a gritty outfit and will provide a stern test. We've selected what we believe is a very competitive squad and the players are fully focused and excited for what will be a decisive match for both teams. There is everything to play for.”

Reflecting on his side's 33-5 win over Georgia, Foote praised the way his players adapted after their dominant opening-round performance against Uruguay: “Georgia is a tough team to beat at home. They are extremely physical and place a strong emphasis on their set piece. I thought we did exceptionally well to absorb the early pressure before imposing ourselves on the game, which ultimately led to a deserved victory.”

The Junior Boks will complete their preparations with the customary captain’s run on Monday morning.

Junior Bok starting XV: 15 Alzeadon Felix (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), 14 Cheswill Jooste (Vodacom Bulls), 13 Samuel Badenhorst (DHL Stormers), 12 Ethan Adams (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), 11 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga (Hollywoodbets Sharks); 10 Yaqeen Ahmed (DHL Stormers), 9 Hendré Schoeman (Vodacom Bulls); 8 Vuyo Gwiji (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), 7 Luke Cannon (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), 6 Risima Khosa (Fidelity Securedrive Lions); 5 JD Hattingh (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), 4 Heinrich Theron (Vodacom Bulls); 3 Danie Kruger (DHL Stormers), 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele (captain, Vodacom Bulls), 1 Oliver Reid (DHL Stormers). Replacements: 16 Liam van Wyk (Hollywoodbets Sharks), 17 Rambo Kubheka (Hollywoodbets Sharks), 18 Luan van der Berg (Vodacom Bulls), 19 Jaythen Orange (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), 20 Gert Kemp (DHL Stormers), 21 Jayden Brits (DHL Stormers), 22 Markus Muller (DHL Stormers), 23 Jordan Steenkamp (DHL Stormers).

South Africa v Wales - Tuesday @ Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi (Georgia) (4pm)

Referee: Reuben Keane (RA)

Broadcast: SuperSport