Junior Springbok coach Dawie Theron made 11 changes to his side to play Italy on Friday at the UWC Stadium in their second 2012 IRB Junior World Championship encounter. Kick-off is at 18:45.
Sport 24
Only centre Jan Serfontein, lock Paul Willemse, prop Steven Kitshoff as well as captain and flank, Wiaan Liebenberg, remained from the side that lost their opening match against Ireland.
Four players – Marais Schmidt (fullback), Travis Ismaiel (wing), William Small-Smith (centre) and Khaya Majola (flank) – will make their first appearance at the tournament.
Flyhalf Handrè Pollard and Braam Steyn (eighthman) were the unused substitutes against Ireland.
“This was always part of our planning, as we only have a three day turnaround between the two matches,” said Theron.
“We are keen to redeem ourselves against Italy as we disappointed ourselves and our supporters against the Irish.
“I am convinced that the new players in the team will provide us with a lot of positive energy.”
Liebenberg said the changes will not affect their play.
“We have been training together as a group for a while now and the new guys slotted in with ease,” he said.
“We are lucky to have such a short turnaround in that we can now rectify the mistakes we made in our opening game.
“We are still in the hunt to win the tournament.”
Team:
15. Marais Schmidt (Golden Lions), 14. Tshotsho Mbovane (Western Province), 13. William Small-Smith (Blue Bulls), 12. Jan Serfontein (Blue Bulls), 11. Travis Ismaiel (Blue Bulls), 10. Handrè Pollard (Western Province), 9. Vian van der Watt (Golden Lions), 8. Braam Steyn (Sharks), 7. Wiaan Liebenberg (Blue Bulls, captain), 6. Khaya Majola (Sharks), 5. Ruan Botha (Golden Lions), 4. Paul Willemse (Golden Lions), 3. Oliver Kebble (Western Province), 2. Jason Thomas (Blue Bulls), 1. Steven Kitshoff (Western Province)
Substitutes: 16. Mark Pretorius (Golden Lions), 17. Allan Dell (Sharks), 18. Pieter Steph du Toit (Sharks), 19. Fabian Booysen (Golden Lions), 20. Abrie Griesel (Blue Bulls), 21. Tony Jantjies (Blue Bulls), 22. Pat Howard (Western Province), 23. Maks van Dyk (Sharks).
June 7th, 2012 at 18:25 SAST
Hope the biggest changes were made to the coaches’ minds. They are the principal cause of the poor showing, not the players. Anyway go Bokkies and moer my poor little Italian colts.
On another note GBS, can you check the superbru Winter Tours results! They have made a mistake by giving 2 points for the win for Scotland vs Wobblies, instead of 1 and it hasn’t been rectified yet!
June 7th, 2012 at 18:37 SAST
1 @ The_Young_Turk:
Your influence on SuperBru’s admin staff is as big as mine, won’t you please take it up for us with them.
I’m a player like you guys, and only captain because I started the pool, something which any player can do.
June 7th, 2012 at 19:47 SAST
Ok, will do. Thought you had a direct line to the top. You do now realise that you’ve damaged the tremendous image that I had of your power and influence just a little, don’t you?
June 7th, 2012 at 20:23 SAST
3 @ The_Young_Turk:
Eishhhhh… sorry!
Hahaha