SA U18 and U18 ‘A’ teams look to finish strong in Paarl showpiece

International sport is no place for shrinking violets – and that’s exactly how the SA Under-18 coaches like it. 

With no place to hide, every player in the squad has a chance to put their hand up and prove themselves. That’s why both the SA U18 and U18 ‘A’ coaches are making several tweaks ahead of the final matches of the U18 International Series at Paarl Gimnasium on Saturday, giving more players a run at the highest level in this prestigious annual age-group showpiece.

Saturday’s action gets underway at 11.30 am when the SA U18 ‘A’ side takes on France, and this is followed by the clash between Ireland and Georgia at 1.30 pm. The main event will see the SA U18s going head-to-head with England at 3.30 pm, looking for their third win of the tournament.

For the clash with England, SA U18 coach Lwazi Zangqa has again reshuffled his starting line-up. From the pack that powered past Ireland 45-5 on Tuesday at Boland Landbou, only lock duo Jayden Joubert and AJ Meyer, along with No.8 Gert Kemp, keep their places.

A fresh front row of Kai Pratt (loosehead), Altus Rabe (hooker) and JG Badenhorst (tighthead) gets the call, with flankers Chinedu Amadi and Joshua Neill also starting.

The backline has been overhauled too, with Morne Noble (scrumhalf), Liyema Nela (flyhalf), Jadrian Afrikaner (wing), and Ethan Adams (inside centre) promoted from the bench after featuring as substitutes in the previous match.

Zangqa explained that the plan was to give every player in the squad a chance to gain experience on the international stage: “We wanted to ensure each player got the opportunity to taste international rugby and to enjoy the occasion.”

The SA U18 coach further emphasised that they are ready for a physical battle against England, who will be motivated to finish the series on a high note after losing both their matches so far.

“Our plan is to make sure we're physically up for the battle,” Zangqa said. “While our defence will be important, we are also eager to deliver a good attacking display. This will be the last time this year that our supporters will see the U18s in action, so we want to give them something good to watch.”

Zangqa added that the SA U18s will need to be focused for the entire match to handle England's challenge: “England will be eager to finish the series on a positive note, so we will have to be ready to meet their challenge and concentrate throughout.”

U18 ‘A’ team also rotated

After their commanding 57-19 win over Georgia, the SA U18 ‘A’ side has also rung the changes. In the pack, Jeffrey Singo returns at loosehead prop and Diaan Augustyn at lock. In the backline, Reinhart Viljoen slots back in at fullback, while wings Junaide Pasensie and Ncutu Kepe swap sides. Jeandre Uithaler, a standout performer throughout the tournament, will once again lead the side from flyhalf.

SA U18 ‘A’ coach Flash Malinga said they are looking forward to the challenge against France:

“France lost their opening-round match to the SA U18s, but they showed in their win over England how good they are.”

Malinga anticipates another tough game and explained his final team selection: “We selected what we believe is our best combination for this match. We have strength in the starting combination and on our bench, who we regard as good finishers.

“It has been a great tournament with many good experiences and valuable learnings, and we’re looking forward to showcasing and testing our attack, defence, and our set piece against the French.”

Tickets are R20 per person and are available at the gate or online through Quicket. All the matches will be broadcast by SuperSport Schools.

SA U18 (15-1): Zekhethelo Siyaya (Sharks), Junaide Stuart (Bulls), Markus Muller (captain, Western Province), Ethan Adams (Cheetahs), Jadriaan Afrikaner (Sharks), Liyema Nela (Sharks), Morne Noble (Western Province), Gert Kemp (Western Province), Joshua Neill (Western Province), Chinedu Amadi (Lions), AJ Meyer (Cheetahs), Jayden Joubert (Western Province), JG Badenhorst (Cheetahs), Altus Rabe (Western Province), Kai Pratt (South Western Districts). Replacements (16-26): Keenan Myners (South Western Districts), Jordan Jooste (Western Province), Matthew van der Merwe (Western Province), Lwandile Mlaba (Sharks), Wasi Vyambwera (Sharks), Jacobus de Villiers (South Western Districts), Jayden Brits (Western Province), Ruben Groenewald (Bulls), Christian Vorster (South Western Districts), Lamla Mgedezi (Cheetahs), Thabiso Simelane (Bulls).

SA U18 ‘A’ (15-1): Reinhart Viljoen (South Western Districts), Ncutu Kepe (Border), Erin Nelson (Eastern Province), Lizwe Mthethwa (Sharks), Junade Pasensie (Bulls), Jeandre Uithaler (captain, Lions), Mickyle Booise (Western Province), Quintin Potgieter (Western Province), Liam Lightly (South Western Districts), Briint Davids (Western Province), Migael Turner (Western Province), Diaan Augustyn (South Western Districts), Deon Botes (Bulls), Thomas Muller (Western Province), Jeffrey Singo (Bulls). Replacements (16-25): Keenan Myners (South Western Districts), Pieta Cilliers (Western Province), Bernhard du Toit (Western Province), Lian Terblanche (Lions), Nhlanhla Ndlovu (Sharks), Zirk Meyer (Bulls), Ethan van Biljon (Western Province), Nathan Aneke (Sharks), Sbabalwe Magwebu (Border), Jeneall Davids (Western Province).