SA Under-18 squads rotated for second-round International Series fixtures

The two South Africa Under-18 squads – SA U18 and SA U18 ‘A’ – will feature extensive changes to their line-ups for the second round of the Under-18 International Series, taking place at Boland Landbou near Wellington in the Western Cape.

On Tuesday, the SA U18 ‘A’ team will open the day’s action against Georgia at 11.30am, followed by the SA U18 clash with Ireland at 1.30pm. The final match will see England face France at 3.30pm.

SA U18 coach Lwazi Zangqa has made 11 changes to his side that convincingly beat France in the opening round, explaining that the reshuffle is part of their broader strategy to achieve objectives and ensure every player gets the chance to perform on the international stage.

Only four players from that starting line-up have been retained to take on Ireland – vice-captain AJ Meyer (lock), Gert Kemp (No.8), captain Markus Muller (outside centre), and Zekhethelo Siyaya (fullback).

“We are looking forward to the fixture against Ireland, whom we believe will be a highly motivated and confident opponent on Tuesday afternoon,” Zangqa said, noting that the Irish had edged the SA U18 ‘A’ team in a tight contest on Friday.

Meanwhile, SA U18 ‘A’ coach Flash Malinga has kept five players from the side that narrowly lost to Ireland. Vice-captain Migael Turner (lock), Liam Lightly (flanker), Quintin Potgieter (No.8), captain Jeandre Uithaler (flyhalf), and Ncutu Kepe (wing) retain their starting spots.

Malinga stressed that the changes are part of the team’s development plans, allowing all players the opportunity to start at the international level. He also acknowledged the challenge ahead after Georgia stunned England with a 35-31 victory last Friday.

“We know what is coming from Georgia,” said Malinga. “They are hard and physical, but we will be looking to showcase our own style as much as we prepare to match their physicality. We are looking forward to playing against a very good international side.”

All three matches will be broadcast live on the SuperSchools channels. Tickets are available for R20 per person at the gate or online via Quicket.

SA U18 Squad vs Ireland (15-1): Zekhethelo Siyaya (Sharks), Junaide Stuart (Bulls), Markus Muller (captain, Western Province), Christian Vorster (South Western Districts), Lamla Mgedezi (Free State), Ruben Groenewald (Bulls), Jayden Brits (Western Province), Gert Kemp (Western Province), Wasi Vyambwera (Sharks), Jacobus de Villiers (South Western Districts), AJ Meyer (vice-captain, Free State), Jayden Joubert (Western Province), Matthew van der Merwe (Western Province), Clinton Agu (Lions), Jordan Jooste (Western Province), Replacements: Altus Rabe, Kai Pratt, JG Badenhorst, Lwandile Mlaba, Chinedu Amadi, Joshua Neill, Morne Noble, Liyema Nela, Ethan Adams, Jadrian Afrikaner, Thabiso Simelane

SA U18 ‘A’ Squad vs Georgia (15-1): Ethan van Biljon (Western Province), Junade Pasensie (Bulls), Erin Nelson (Eastern Province), Sbabalwe Magwebu (Border), Ncutu Kepe (Border), Jeandre Uithaler (captain, Lions), Mickyle Booise (Western Province), Quintin Potgieter (Western Province), Liam Lightly (South Western Districts), Briint Davids (Western Province), Migael Turner (vice-captain, Western Province), Lian Terblanche (Sharks), Deon Botes (Bulls), Thomas Muller (Western Province), Pieta Cilliers (Western Province). Replacements: Keenan Myners, Jeffrey Singo, Bernhard du Toit, Diaan Augustyn, Nhlanhla Ndlovu, Zirk Meyer, Lizwe Mthethwa, Nathan Aneke, Reinhart Viljoen, Jeneall Davids

U18 International Series Fixtures

Tuesday, 12 August

(11.30am): SA U18 ‘A’ vs Georgia

(1.30pm): SA U18 vs Ireland

(3.30pm): England vs France