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  • De Villiers and Letebele to lead Junior Springboks in South Africa

    De Villiers and Letebele to lead Junior Springboks in South Africa

    DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – MAY 15: Katlego Letebele during the SA Rugby Academy training session at Durban High School on May 15, 2023 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images)

    Paul de Villiers and Katlego Letebele will return for their second stint with the Junior Springboks, this time as captain and vice-captain of the South African squad to the World Rugby Under-20 Championship, which will kick off in Cape Town, Paarl and Stellenbosch later this month.

    The Junior Bok squad for the global showpiece – returning to the calendar for the first time since 2019 – was announced on Friday. De Villiers and Letebele represented South Africa in the Six Nations U20 Summer Series in Italy last year.
    Junior Springbok head coach, Bafana Nhleko, included Zachary Porthen, who captained the SA Schools side last year, alongside two more of his U18 team-mates from 2022 in Litelihle Bester and JF van Heerden.
    Nhleko also roped in Blitzbok speedster Masande Mtshali, who made his debut for the national sevens team earlier this season and played in four tournaments on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.
    “This selection is a great testimony of SA Rugby’s Elite Player Development programme paying dividends and I’m very excited to take these players into the tournament,” said Nhleko.
    “I believe we have selected a quality group of players with a good balance within the squad. There were guys who pushed hard during the SA Rugby Academy phase but didn’t make the final squad, they can easily slot in if needed as they know our structures and how we want to play.
    “I would like to congratulate the players who were selected, but also stress that the real hard work starts now – it’s a massive task to play in a world championship and even bigger privilege to be playing at home, with the challenge comes a big responsibility.
    “We realise there will be added pressure because we’re playing at home, but we embrace that as a positive. We have a wonderful opportunity to play in front of our family and friends and in familiar conditions and we need to make the most of it.”
    The pool rounds of the tournament are scheduled for 24 and 29 June, and 4 July, with the two playoff rounds on 9 and 14 July, when the final will take place at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town. Tickets, priced at R35 (children under 12) and R55 (adults) are available from Ticketmaster.
    Junior Springbok squad:
    Props: Corne Lavagna (Vodacom Bulls), Dian Heunis (Cell C Sharks), Mawande Mdanda (Vodacom Bulls), Phatu Ganyane (Cell C Sharks), Zachary Porthen (DHL Western Province).
    Hookers: Juann Else (Vodacom Bulls), SJ Kotze (Lions).
    Locks: Coetzee le Roux (Cell C Sharks), Tiaan Wessels (Lions), JF van Heerden (Vodacom Bulls).
    Loose forwards: Abulele Ndabambi (Vodacom Bulls), Corne Beets (Vodacom Bulls), Gcinokuhle Mdletshe (Vodacom Bulls), Ghudian van Reenen (Vodacom Bulls), Jannes Potgieter (Cell C Sharks) Paul de Villiers (captain, DHL Western Province).
    Scrumhalves: Imad Khan (DHL Western Province), Neil le Roux (Vodacom Bulls).
    Flyhalves: Jean Smith (Cell C Sharks), Sam Francis (Lions).
    Centres: Damian Markus (DHL Western Province), Ethan Hooker (Cell C Sharks), Jurenzo Julius (Cell C Sharks), Katlego Letebele (vice-captain, Vodacom Bulls), Litelihle Bester (Cell C Sharks).
    Outside backs: Masande Mtshali (SA Sevens contracted), Michael Annies (Toyota Cheetahs), Quewin Nortje (Vodacom Bulls), Hakeem Kunene (Cell C Sharks), Regan Izaks (Vodacom Bulls).
    World Rugby U20 Championship pool fixtures:
    Saturday, 24 June:
    19h00: Junior Boks v Georgia (Danie Craven Stadium, Stellenbosch)
    Thursday, 29 June:
    16h00: Junior Boks v Italy (Paarl Gymnasium, Paarl)
    Tuesday, 4 July:
    19h00: Junior Boks v Argentina (Athlone Stadium, Cape Town)
    Issued by SA Rugby Communications
  • SA Rugby to discuss tackle height changes for amateur rugby

    SA Rugby to discuss tackle height changes for amateur rugby

    IMG 0514World Rugby recommendation to reduce tackle height to mid-chest to be discussed
    Research shows tackles above this point four times more likely to lead to concussion
    Unions being encouraged to opt-in to global law trial
    Recommendation to be considered for possible school and club implementation

    SA Rugby will discuss the possible implementation of experimental law changes to lower the height of a legal tackle in amateur rugby, following an announcement by World Rugby on Monday.

    The sport’s global governing body has recommended reducing the permitted tackle height to below the sternum (the middle of the chest) in the community game. If approved by the international federation’s Council in May, National unions will be given the choice of opting-in to a global trial.

    SA Rugby said it would now consult with its member unions and the South African Schools Rugby Association (SASRA) on their views on the proposal prior to a potential roll-out of the trial in SA. If the trial were to be deployed in South Africa it would only apply to the school and club game.

    World Rugby said the proposal followed extensive analysis and consultation with unions. It reflected World Rugby’s core mission of a global sport for all, seeking to enhance the experience for players in order to keep building engagement across the globe.

    It said that trials conducted since 2019 in the community game in France, South Africa, Georgia and Fiji had delivered positive advances in player safety, by reducing the number of head impacts and concussions, and the overall game experience by supporting increased ball in play flow.

    “The community game is the lifeblood of our sport, representing 99 per cent of our participants, and the proposed tackle height adjustment has already delivered positive game shape and playing experience outcomes,” said Sir Bill Beaumont, World Rugby chairman.

    “This is essential to the sport’s future. The evidence we have, from France in particular, shows that not only does reducing the tackle height make the game safer but it increases numbers playing as well. That has to be the aim for everyone involved in our game.”

    Mr Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby, said: “Changes that increase enjoyment and participation while improving safety have to be welcomed and we will now workshop these proposals with those most intimately connected with the delivery of the amateur game, our member unions and the schools.

    “Our sport is moving in the right direction with such initiatives but, when, where and how we would be ready to implement them in SA needs to be thoroughly considered. If they are implemented here, we must do it with clarity and full buy-in.”

    World Rugby said that rigorous independent research had shown that the tackle was responsible for 74 per cent of all concussions. Reducing the height of the tackle protected both players.

    “The ball carrier is protected directly because head contact leading to injury can be significantly reduced, while the tackler is protected because their head will be in what is known to be a safer proximity with the ball carrier’s torso/upper body,” World Rigby said in a statement.

    “Tackles where the tackler’s head is in proximity to the ball carrier’s body above the sternum are more than four times more likely to result in a head injury, and so bringing tackle height down will benefit both players.”

    Mr Alexander said the recommendation would be considered at the next meeting of the Amateur Rugby Committee of the South African Rugby Union.

    Issued by SA Rugby Communications

  • SA U18’s surge to impressive win over England

    SA U18’s surge to impressive win over England

    PAARL, SOUTH AFRICA – AUGUST 19: JF van Heerden of South Africa U18 tackled by Henry Pollock (Capt) of England U18 during the U18 International Series match between South Africa and England at Paarl Gimnasium on August 19, 2022 in Paarl, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)

    The SA Under-18 side got off to a winning start in the U18 International Series with an impressive 40-24 triumph over England at Paarl Gymnasium in Paarl on Friday afternoon.

    In the first game of the day, France held on to beat the SA U18 ‘A’ team by 26-23.

    The SA U18’s made the most of their strong forward performance by scoring two tries to one in the first half, while they also landed three penalty goals to build up a 23-10 advantage at the halftime break.

    They maintained their dominance in the second half and managed two further tries and a penalty goal, while restricting England to two converted tries for a well-deserved win.

    While the SA win was built on their forward dominance, flyhalf Stehan Heymans was equally outstanding with a personal contribution of 18 points via four penalty goals and three conversions.

    The impressive No 10 landed three penalty goals while his opposite number Rory Taylor replied with one to make the score 9-3 in favour of the home side halfway through the opening spell.

    Visiting flanker Jack Bennet then took advantage of some poor SA defence to run in under the posts as England edged ahead 10-9.

    However, that lapse of concentration was enough to kick the home side into a more determined mood as they hit back with some powerful forward carries and strong running in midfield.

    Hooker Ethan Bester dotted down for the home side from a lineout maul, while scrumhalf Caleb Abrahams followed him over the whitewash on the stroke of halftime. Heymans added the extras to stretch the halftime lead to 23-10.

    South Africa kicked on after the restart and soon raced into a 33-10 lead when replacement hooker Luca Bakkes scored off the back of a brilliant maul, with Heymans again on target with another penalty soon afterwards.

    They then also showed the grit needed in defence to keep the English at bay. However, replacement hooker Loic Keasey managed to breach the line for England’s second try to reduce the gap to 33-17 halfway through the second stanza.

    Replacement lock Jack Waterhouse then showed his speed and power to take a final pass and force his way over for another converted try, South Africa’s fourth of the afternoon, to take the score to 40-17.

    But England refused to give up and Keasey got his second when he went over to take the final score to 40-24 in favour of the SA U18’s.

    Scorers:

    SA U18 40 (23) – Tries: Ethan Bester, Caleb Abrahams, Luca Bakkes, Jack Waterhouse. Conversions: Stehan Heymans (3), Thurlon Williams. Penalty goals: Heymans (4). England 24 (10) – Tries: Jack Bennet, Loic Keasey (2). Conversions: Rory Taylor (3). Penalty goals: Taylor.

  • SA sides named for U18 International Series openers

    SA sides named for U18 International Series openers

    Zachary Porthen and Camden Schoeman, who led the SA Schools teams last month, will again wear the captain’s armbands when the two SA Under-18 sides open the U18 International Series against England and France in Paarl on Friday.

    Porthen will lead the SA U18 team against England at Paarl Gimnasium (15h30), while Camden’s SA U18 ‘A’ side take on France at 13h30 at the same venue. Both matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

    The two squads gathered in Stellenbosch on Sunday to start their preparations for the series, which includes three rounds of matches – all of them at Paarl Gimnasium – and for the coaches, Katleho Lynch (SA U18) and Cobus van Dyk (SA U18 ‘A’), Friday’s matches will provide a great foundation from which they can build for the rest of the series.

    The second round will be on Tuesday 23 August and the action will conclude on Saturday 27 August, with the Junior Springbok coaching team of Bafana Nhleko and Chean Roux supporting the two teams.

    “We already saw the massive potential these players have when we were together for a week in July after the U18 Craven Week, and to be able to work with them at international level is a great privilege,” said Lynch.

    “The boys are eager to learn, they work incredibly hard and apart from days full of rugby activities, they still make time to keep up to date with their school work, which takes a lot of dedication.

    “We realise we’re up against two countries who invest a lot of time and energy into their junior programmes and it will be a proper test for our players, but one we can’t wait to get stuck into.”

    Van Dyk shared these sentiments: “We are blessed with some wonderful talent at U18 level and the excitement under the players, to now play with guys who they often face as opponents for their schools and provinces, is palpable.

    “None of these guys have represented their country at international level, after the planned tour to Georgia last year was cancelled, but the players realise the enormous responsibility that comes with it and will give everything they have for the jersey in the coming weeks.”

    With a few players unavailable to play on Friday, the selectors have indicated that they may call up replacements after the weekend’s matches to ensure full squads are available for the remaining encounters.

    The teams are:

    SA Under-18 to face England in Paarl:

    15 JC Mars (Western Province)
    14 Alfondso Isaacs (Cheetahs)
    13 Litelihle Bester (Sharks)
    12 Joshua Boulle (Lions)
    11 Joel Leotlela (Lions)
    10 Stehan Heymans (Bulls)
    9 Caleb Abrahams (Cheetahs)
    8 Sibabalwe Mahashe (Border)
    7 Thabang Mpafi (Lions)
    6 Lukas Meyer (Cheetahs)
    5 JF van Heerden (Cheetahs)
    4 Thomas Dyer (Sharks)
    3 Zachary Porthen (captain, Western Province)
    2 Ethan Bester (Sharks)
    1 Casper Badenhorst (Cheetahs)

    Replacements:
    16 Luca Bakkes (Western Province)
    17 Ruan Swart (SWD)
    18 Reno Hirst (Western Province)
    19 Jack Waterhouse (Sharks)
    20 Matthew Fick (Western Province)
    21 Steven Nel (Bulls)
    22 Thurlon Williams (Western Province)
    23 Bruce Sherwood (Western Province)
    24 Sha-Jehaan de Jongh (Western Province)
    25 Lilitha Matziliza (Bulls)

    Referee: Dylen November

    SA Under-18 ‘A’ to face France in Paarl:

    15 Jeneil Losper (Western Province)
    14 Gino Cupido (Western Province)
    13 Antonio Bruiners (Western Province)
    12 Philip-Albert van Niekerk (Western Province)
    11 Jameel de Jongh (Western Province)
    10 Liam Koen (Western Province)
    9 Emrique Liedeman (Western Province)
    8 Camden Schoeman (captain – SWD)
    7 Divan Fuller (Western Province)
    6 Zukisane Tom (Sharks)
    5 Keanu Coetzee (Western Province)
    4 Danio Botha (Western Province)
    3 Nic Snyman (Sharks)
    2 Juan Smal (Western Province)
    1 Liyema Ntshanga (Sharks)

    Replacements:
    16 Christian Everitt (Sharks)
    17 Willem Loubser (Western Province)
    18 Bernard Bladergroen (Western Province)
    19 Sandile Nzuza (Sharks)
    20 Max du Pisani (Eastern Province)
    21 Asad Moos (Western Province)
    22 Sesethu Mpaka (Border)
    23 Bradley Giddy (Cheetahs)

    Referee: Ruhan Meiring

  • SA Under-18 squads named for International Series

    SA Under-18 squads named for International Series

    Two South African Under-18 sides, consisting of 26 players each, have been named to take on their age-group counterparts from France and England in a four-team International Series in Paarl later this month.

    All six matches have been scheduled to take place at Paarl Gymnasium, with the action to kick off on Friday 19 August. The second round will be on Tuesday 23 August and the action will conclude on Saturday 27 August.

    Junior Springbok head and assistant coaches Bafana Nhleko and Chean Roux will be supporting the coaching staff of the two teams, while the two SA Schools coaches, Kathleho Lynch and Cobus van Dyk, will be in charge of the two teams.

    “These matches form a crucial part of our Elite Player Development (EPD) pathway for our age-group players, run by Herman Masimla and Nico Serfontein, which is why the selectors not only considered players from this year’s U18 Craven Week, but also some who were in the SA U18 team due to tour Georgia last year, a trip which was unfortunately cancelled due to COVID-19,” said Rassie Erasmus, Director of Rugby.

    “We spread the net very wide and considered at all the players who are still U18, even some who have finished their schooling, or who were injured earlier in the season. The EPD programmes were designed exactly for this reason – to ensure players who may have missed a big occasion such as the Craven Week do not fall through the cracks.

    “The pandemic caused some disruptions to our EPD programmes and to have these boys back on the rugby field, playing in green and gold, is great. We’ve gotten Bafana and Chean involved as the next step would be for these players to move into the next EPD phase under Barry McDonald, as well as the SA Under-20s, before they hit the senior ranks.”

    Lynch will again be assisted by James Winstanley, while Van Dyk’s right hand man will be Lwazi Zangqa.

    “Kathleho, Cobus and their management teams did a great job with the two SA Schools sides last month and their game in Cape Town produced a very high standard of rugby, so it made sense to keep continuity in the coaching ranks, as they already know some of the players very well, and both myself and Chean are excited to be working with them,” said Nhleko.

    “England and France have very good age-group rugby programmes and we’re expecting them to provide very strong opposition in this series, which will be beneficial to the players are they are on the cusp of progressing to the Under-20 ranks.

    “The World Rugby Under-20 Championship will be back on the calendar next year and I’m expecting most of these guys to feature for the Junior Boks in the next two years.”

    The players will start their preparations in Stellenbosch from Sunday, 14 August, and will be based at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport.

    The squads are:

    SA Under-18:

    Backs: Michail Damons (fullback, Bulls), Stehan Heymans (flyhalf, Bulls), Steven Nel (scrumhalf, Bulls), Caleb Abrahams (scrumhalf, Cheetahs), Alfondso Isaacs (wing, Cheetahs), Joshua Boulle (centre, Lions), Joel Leotlela (wing, Lions), Litelihle Bester (centre, Sharks), Sha-Jehaan de Jongh (wing, WP), Bruce Sherwood (centre, WP), Thurlon Williams (flyhalf, WP).

    Forwards: Sibabalwe Mahashe (loose forward, Border), Lilitha Matsiliza (utility forward, Bulls), Casper Badenhorst (prop, Cheetahs), Lukas Meyer (loose forward, Cheetahs), JF van Heerden (lock, Cheetahs), Sifiso Magwaza (prop, Lions), Thabang Mphafi (lock, Lions), Ethan Bester (hooker, Sharks), Thomas Dyer (loose forward, Sharks), Jack Waterhouse (lock, Sharks), Ruan Swart (prop, SWD), Luca Bakkes (hooker, WP), Matthew Fick (loose forward, WP), Reno Hirst (prop, WP), Zachary Porthen (prop, WP).

    SA Under-18 A:

    Backs: Onelisiwe Fani (scrumhalf, Border), Sesethu Mpaka (centre, Border), Bradley Giddy (flyhalf, Cheetahs), Antonio Bruiners (centre, SWD), Camden Schoeman (loose forward, SWD), JT Strydom (fullback, SWD), Jameel de Jongh (wing, WP), Gino Cupido (wing, WP), Jurenzo Julies (centre, WP), Liam Koen (flyhalf, WP), Emrique Liedeman (scrumhalf, WP), JC Mars (fullback, WP), Philip-Albert van Niekerk (centre, WP).

    Forwards: Max du Pisani (loose forward, EP), Ulrich van der Westhuizen (lock, Lions), Christian Everitt (hooker, Sharks), Liyema Ntshanga (prop, Sharks), Sandile Nzuza (utility forward, Sharks), Nic Snyman (prop, Sharks), Zuki Tom (loose forward, Sharks), Bernard Bladergroen (prop, WP), Daniel Botha (lock, WP), Keanu Coetzee (lock, WP), Divan Fuller (loose forward, WP), Willem Loubser (prop, WP), Juan Smal (hooker, WP).

    U18 International Series fixtures:

    Friday 19 August 2022
    13h00: South Africa U18 A vs France
    15h30: South Africa U18 vs England

    Tuesday 23 August 2022
    13h00: South Africa U18 A vs England
    15h30: South Africa U18 vs France

    Saturday 27 August 2022
    13h00: South Africa U18 A vs France
    15h30: South Africa U18 vs England

    SA Under-18 Team Management:
    Head Coach: Kathleho Lynch (Golden Lions)
    Assistant Coach: James Winstanley (Eastern Province)
    Physiotherapist: Ken Kabongo (Boland)
    Strength and Conditioning: Sisonke Makapela (Free State)
    Team Doctor: Gershin Kortje (Boland)
    Team Manager: Dean Moodley (Sharks)

    SA Under-18 A Team Management:
    Head Coach: Cobus van Dyk (Blue Bulls)
    Assistant Coach: Lwazi Zangqa (Border)
    Physiotherapist: Tanya Green (Western Province)
    Strength and Conditioning: Yao Faso Amo (Leopards)
    Team Doctor: Gershin Kortje (Boland)
    Team Manager: Jimmy Jimlongwe (Free State)

  • SA Schools too strong for A team counterparts

    SA Schools too strong for A team counterparts

    The SA Schools side had too much class and won an entertaining clash against the SA Schools A side by 57-27 (half-time 26-13) after a few bursts of tries during the game ensured they remained in control in a match that underlined the good health of Under-18 rugby in South Africa.

    Playing in green jerseys, the SA Schools side outscored their opponents, in white, by eight tries to three on a beautiful late winter’s day at Hamilton Rugby Football Club in Cape Town.

    Both sides came out to play with intent and in the end, the SA Schools side showed why the selectors handed them the honours of playing in green, although they didn’t have it all their own way during the 70 minutes of action.

    The SA Schools side took a deserved 26-13 lead at the break after an entertaining first half in which five tries were scored, four of them by the team in green.

    The first try, by hooker Luca Bakkes, came after some great play from a turnover in their own half, in the second minute. Thurlon Williams (flyhalf) added the extras from in front to put his side in the lead by 7-0.

    Fifteen minutes later Joel Leotlela (wing) scored out wide, although it was a bit fortunate as the ball was tapped back by an opponent, and the SA Schools side looked to be in control, leading by 12-0.

    Antonio Bruiners scored two tries for the SA Schools A side.

    Antonio Bruiners scored two tries for the SA Schools A side.

    But a flurry of penalties – two of which were converted into points by SA Schools A flyhalf Bradley Giddy – brought the team in white back into the frame and when Antonio Bruiners (centre) scored a great try from two mistakes by the SA Schools side, the A team took a 13-12 lead five minutes before the break.

    Something then clicked for the SA Schools side as Joshua Boulle (centre) and Sibabalwe Mahashe (No 8) scored great tries after some slick handling, and with Williams converting both, the team in green took a 13-point lead as the half-time whistle went.

    Not to be outdone, the SA Schools A side started the second half in brilliant fashion when Bruiners went over for his second try, also converted by Giddy, to make it a six-point game as both coaching sides rang the changes.

    However, just like they did at the end of the first half, the SA Schools hit back with two tries in quick succession, both by replacements, as Jack Waterhouse (lock) and Caleb Abrahams (scrumhalf) scored close to the sticks, with Stehan Heymans (replacement flyhalf) adding the extras to push the team in green into a 40-20 lead with just over 20 minutes to go.

    Gaining ascendancy upfront and playing with more confidence, the SA Schools side tightened their grip on the match and increased their lead with a Heymans penalty goal and a converted try by Thomas Dyer (replacement flanker).

    JF van Heerden put in a great shift for the SA Schools side.

    JF van Heerden put in a great shift for the SA Schools side.

    Despite being on the backfoot upfront, the team in white refused to give up and Keanu Coetzee (lock) scored their third try, also converted by Giddy.

    But as it had happened a few times earlier in the game, the SA Schools side hit straight back when the team in white were caught napping, with Ruan Swart (replacement prop) crashing over from a quick-tap penalty. Heymans kept his perfect kicking record intact with the conversion to restore their 30-point advantage.

    The SA Schools A side had one last foray into their opponents’ red zone, but they failed to convert as the final whistle went at the end of a great game of age-group rugby.

    Scorers:

    SA Schools 57 (26) – Tries: Luca Bakkes, Joel Leotlela, Joshua Boulle, Sibabalwe Mahashe, Jack Waterhouse, Caleb Abrahams, Thomas Dyer, Ruan Swart. Conversions: Thurlon Williams (3), Stehan Heymans (4). Penalty: Heymans. SA Schools A 27 (13) – Tries: Antonio Bruiners (2), Keanu Coetzee. Conversions: Bradley Giddy (3). Penalties: Giddy (2).

    Teams:

    SA Schools: 15. Michail Damon (Blue Bulls), 14. Alfondso Isaacs (Free State), 13. Litelihle Bester (Sharks), 12. Joshua Boulle (Golden Lions), 11. Joel Leotlela (Golden Lions), 10. Thurlon Williams (DHL Western Province), 9. Steven Nel (Blue Bulls), 8. Sibabalwe Mahashe (Border), 7. Lukas Meyer (Free State), 6. Matthew Fick (DHL Western Province), 5. JF van Heerden (Free State), 4. Thabang Mpafi (Golden Lions), 3. Zachary Porthen (captain – DHL Western Province), 2. Luca Bakkes (DHL Western Province), 1. Sifiso Magwaza (Golden Lions). Replacements: 16. Ethan Bester (Sharks), 17. Ruan Swart (SWD), 18. Casper Badenhorst (Free State), 19. Jack Waterhouse (Sharks), 20. Thomas Dyer (Sharks), 21. Caleb Abrahams (Free State), 22. Stehan Heymans (Blue Bulls), 23. Sha Jehaan de Jongh (DHL Western Province).

    SA Schools A: 15. JT Strydom (SWD), 14. Gino Cupido (DHL Western Province), 13. Antonio Bruiners (SWD), 12. Alec McIntyre (Free State), 11. Jameel de Jongh (DHL Western Province), 10. Bradley Giddy (Free State), 9. Emrique Liedeman (DHL Western Province), 8. Camden Schoeman (captain – SWD), 7. Wandile Mlaba (Sharks), 6. Max du Pisani (Eastern Province), 5. Keanu Coetzee (DHL Western Province), 4. Daniel Botha (DHL Western Province), 3. Nic Snyman (Sharks), 2. Christian Everitt (Sharks), 1. Liyema Ntshanga (Sharks). Replacements: 16. Hanro Venter (Blue Bulls), 17. Willem Loubser (DHL Western Province), 18. Bradley Stanfliet (DHL Western Province), 19. Ulrich van der Westhuizen (Golden Lions), 20. Dewald Gerber (SWD), 21. Onelisiwe Fani (Border), 22. Sesethu Mpaka (Border), 23. Jaden Bantom (Valke).

    Issued by SA Rugby Communications

  • Junior Boks tweak pack for Summer Series Final

    Junior Boks tweak pack for Summer Series Final

    Junior Springboks head coach Bafana Nhleko has made four changes to his starting pack and rotated his scrumhalves for Tuesday night’s Under-20 Six Nations Summer Series Final against Wales in Treviso.

    The match starts at 21h00 (SA and Italian time) and the match will be streamed via www.springboks.rugby and broadcast live on SuperSport.

    Nhleko has selected a new-look front row, with Corne Lavanga, Corne Weilbach (props) and Lukhanyo Vokozela (hooker) all getting a start. They replace Lamla Nunu, Sebastian Lombard and Tiaan Lange, who were the starting front trio against France.

    The only other change to the pack is due to an injury to No. 8 Cameron Hanekom, who has been one of the most outstanding South African forwards.

    Hanekom hurt his ankle against France and is replaced by Louw Nel, with Siya Ningiza and Gcino Mdletshe providing loose forward cover on the bench. Merwe Olivier also comes onto the bench as lock alongside Corne Rahl.

    Amongst the backs, scrumhalf Nico Steyn gets the starting nod in place of Neil le Roux, who is now set to join the action from the replacements’ bench.

    Nhleko said the Junior Boks were mentally recharged and ready for Tuesday’s big clash.

    “While we’ve managed to win three games, there is a feeling within the group that we have not played to our true potential,” said Nhleko.

    “We have a sharp focus on getting our detail right, because if we do that then I believe we can increase our intensity and accuracy. Wales are a very well-coached and tactically astute side and they showed their big-match temperament by beating a good Italian team in front of their home fans.”

    Apart from the enforced change at No 8, the coach described the other changes as part of the overall plan.

    “By the end of the tournament we would have played four very physical matches inside the space of just over three weeks and we have worked to a plan to rotate the squad so we could manage the load of the players throughout the Series, as well as give all players an opportunity to play,” he said.

    “Our bench and those not in the match day squad all know they have a specific job to perform, and I must add they have done that superbly, to provide quality opposition for the starting team during our training sessions.”

    Meanwhile, Nhleko cautioned that Wales will be an extremely tough nut to crack in Tuesday’s late evening kick-off.

    “We know what they will bring – they have a formidable team, a good kicking game and serious pace out wide – so our defensive effort will have to be top-class on the day and we must take our opportunities on attack.

    “However, we have prepared well and are looking forward to the game. The boys are in a good space and they see this game as another opportunity for an improved performance,” said Nhleko.

    The Junior Springbok team to face Wales in Treviso:

    15 Donovan Don (Down Touch Griffons), 14 Katlego Letebele (Vodacom Bulls), 13 Ethan James (vice-captain, DHL WP), 12 Suleiman Hartzenberg (DHL WP), 11 Imad Khan (DHL WP), 10 Sacha Mngomezulu (captain, DHL WP), 9 Nico Steyn (Lions), 8 Louw Nel (DHL WP), 7 Ruan Venter (Lions), 6 Paul de Villiers (DHL WP), 5 Reinhardt Ludwig (vice-captain, Vodacom Bulls), 4 Connor Evans (DHL WP), 3 Corne Weilbach (DHL WP), 2 Lukhanyo Vokozela (DHL WP), 1 Corné Lavagna (Vodacom Bulls). Replacements:  16 Tiaan Lange (Vodacom Bulls), 17 Juann Else (Vodacom Bulls), 17 Sivu Mabece (Vodacom Bulls), 18 Merwe Olivier (Vodacom Bulls), 19 Siya Ningiza (Cell C Sharks), 20 Neil le Roux (Vodacom Bulls), 21 Duran Koevort (DHL WP), 22 Latica Nela (SA Rugby Sevens), 23 Lamla Nunu (DHL WP), 24 Corné Rahl (Cell C Sharks), 25 Gcino Mdletshe (Vodacom Bulls).

    Issued by SA Rugby Communications

  • South African Schools squads named for 2022

    South African Schools squads named for 2022

    The SA Schools selectors on Friday named two squads of 23 players each to represent the SA Schools and SA Schools A teams in 2022, with Kathleho Lynch (SA Schools) and Cobus van Dyk (SA Schools A) named as coaches.

    The squads will assemble at Hoër Landbouskool Boland near Paarl on Saturday after the conclusion of the SA Rugby Under-18 Craven Week, where they will prepare for a match against each other on Saturday, 16 July at Hamilton Rugby Club in Green Point, Cape Town.

    Apart from training, a blazer presentation ceremony will be held next week and the squads will attend the third Castle Lager Incoming Series Test between the Springboks and Wales at the DHL Stadium.

    The management teams of both squads have also been confirmed. Lynch (Golden Lions) will be assisted by James Winstanley (Eastern Province), while Van Dyk’s (Blue Bulls) assistant will be Lwazi Zangqa from Border.

    The match will kick-off at 12h30 next Saturday and the respective captains of the two teams will be named later.

    The teams:

    15 Michail Damon (Garsfontein, Blou Bulle), 14 Alfondso Isaacs (Grey-kollege, Vrystaat), 13 Litelihle Bester (Maritzburg College, Sharks), 12 Joshua Boulle (St. John’s College, Goue Leeus), 11 Joel Leotlela (St. John’s College, Goue Leeus), 10 Thurlon Williams (HJS Paarl, WP), 9 Steven Nel (Garsfontein, Blou Bulle), 8 Sibabalwe Mahashe (Hudson Park, Grens), 7 Lukas Meyer (Grey-kollege, Vrystaat), 6 Matthew Fick (HJS Paarl, WP), 5 JF van Heerden (Grey-kollege), 4 Thabang Mphafi (King Edward VII, Goue Leeus), 3 Zachary Porthen (Wynberg Boys’ High, WP), 2 Luca Bakkes (Paarl Gimnasium, WP), 1 Sifiso Magwaza (Monument, Goue Leeus). Plaasvervangers: 16 Ethan Bester (Hilton College, KwaZulu-Natal), 17 Ruan Swart (Outeniqua, Suidwestelike Distrikte), 18 Casper Badenhorst (Grey-kollege, Vrystaat), 19 Jack Waterhouse (Hilton College, Sharks), 20 Thomas Dyer (Hilton College, Sharks), 21 Caleb Abrahams (Grey-kollege, Vrystaat), 22 Stehan Heymans (Affies, Blou Bulle), 23 Shah-Jehaan de Jongh (HJS Paarl, WP).

    5 Grey College | 3 Hilton College | 3 Paarl Boys’ High | 2 Garsfontein | 2 St. John’s College |  1 Affies  | 1 Maritzburg College | 1 Hudson Park | 1 King Edward VII | 1 Wynberg Boys’ High | 1 Monument | 1 Outeniqua | 1 Paarl Gimnasium 

    Management:

    Head Coach: Kathleho Lynch (Golden Lions)
    Assistant Coach: James Winstanley (Eastern Province)
    Physiotherapist: Ken Kabongo (Boland)
    Strength and Conditioning: Sisonke Makapela (Free State)
    Team Doctor: Gershin Kortje (Boland)
    Team Manager: Dean Moodley (Sharks)

    SA Schools A

    15 JT Strydom (Outeniqua, SWD), 14 Gino Cupido (Strand, WP XV), 13 Antonio Bruiners (Outeniqua, SWD), 12 Alec McIntyre (Grey-kollege, Vrystaat), 11 Jameel de Jongh (HJS Paarl, WP), 10 Bradley Giddy (Grey-kollege, Vrystaat), 9 Emrique Liedeman (Paarl Gimnasium, WP), 8 Camden-Jay Schoeman (Outeniqua, SWD), 7 Wandile Mlaba (Michaelhouse, Sharks), 6 Max du Pisani (Nico Malan, OP), 5 Keanu Coetzee (Paarl Gimnasium, WP), 4 Danio Botha (Paarl Gimnasium, WP), 3 Nic Snyman (Hilton College, Sharks), 2 Christian Everitt (Durban High School, Sharks), 1 Liyema Ntshanga (Westville Boys’ High, Sharks). Plaasvervangers: 16 Jan Botes (Monument, Goue Leeus), 17 Wilbur Loubser (Paul Roos, WP), 18 Bradley Stanfliet (HJS Paarl, WP), 19 Ulrich van der Westhuizen (Monument, Goue Leeus), 20 Michael Maseti (Queen’s College, Grens), 21 Onelisiwe Fani (Dale College, Grens), 22 Sesethu Mpaka (Queen’s College, Grens), 23 Jaydon Bantom (EG Jansen, Valke).

    3 Paarl Gimnasium | 3 Outeniqua | 2 Paarl Boys’ High | 2 Grey College | 2 Queen’s College | 2 Monument | 1 Hoërskool Strand | 1 Nico Malan | 1 Durban High School | 1 Michaelhouse | 1 Westville Boys’ High | 1 Dale College | 1 Hilton College | 1 EG Jansen

    Management:

    Head Coach: Cobus van Dyk (Blue Bulls)
    Assistant Coach: Lwazi Zangqa (Border)
    Physiotherapist: Tanya Green (Western Province)
    Strength and Conditioning: Yao Faso Amo (Leopards)
    Team Doctor: Gershin Kortje (Boland)
    Team Manager: Jimmy Jimlongwe (Free State)

    Issued by SA Rugby Communications

  • Junior Boks to meet Wales in Summer Series finale

    Junior Boks to meet Wales in Summer Series finale

    Junior Springboks coach Bafana Nhleko expects a massive challenge from Wales when the two sides meet in the final of the Under-20 Six Nations Summer Series on Tuesday, following the Welsh’s thrilling 23-20 win over hosts Italy on Wednesday evening in Treviso.

    Next week’s final will see the two unbeaten sides of the Summer Series go into battle in Treviso where an enthralling match is expected. Kick-off is at 21h00 and the game will be streamed live on www.springboks.rugby and broadcast SuperSport.

    Wales’ dramatic win over an impressive Italy sealed first place in Pool B, with a late penalty goal from captain Joe Hawkins sending his team through to the tournament showpiece.

    Nhleko said the Junior Boks will have to be at their best if they want to succeed against Wales next week.

    “The way the Welsh dealt with the pressure in the face of such a huge onslaught from Italy, playing in front of their own fans in Treviso, was hugely impressive,” said Nhleko.

    “It showed their character, and they will be a massive test for our boys. They’re a tactically astute team and have a senior Test international in their ranks in Christ Tshiunza (lock), which demonstrates their pedigree.”

    The South Africans defeated England and Ireland in their first two games and then showed great fighting spirit to overcome France in an energy-sapping third Pool A fixture.

    Although they improved as the tournament progressed, the Junior Boks now have their most important match left to play as the Summer Series concludes next week.

    “We improved as the tournament progressed, and next Tuesday will be another opportunity for us as a group to show our potential and demonstrate how we have managed to grow as a team,” added Nhleko.

    “Wales will bring a huge forward challenge, plus they have impressive pace and skill out wide, so it makes for an exciting challenge and one we are looking forward to meet.”

    After three tough games in the Italian heat, the Junior Boks are enjoying two days away from the training ground to recuperate before resuming with preparations on Friday.

    “We have a lot of sore bodies after three big games, and we therefore gave the boys a bit of time off to rest and to enjoy the splendid Italian surroundings before getting back to work on Friday,” explained Nhleko.

    The Junior Boks will announce their matchday squad of 26 on Monday.

    Finals Day Fixtures – Tuesday, 12 July (SA times):
    12h00: Ireland v Scotland
    15h00: France v Georgia
    18h00: England v Italy
    21h00: Junior Boks v Wales

    Issued by SA Rugby Communications

  • Western Province down the Sharks at the Craven Week

    Western Province down the Sharks at the Craven Week

    A highly competitive third day of the SA Rugby Under-18 Craven Week once again confirmed why this flagship schoolboy tournament is such a popular event amongst all stakeholders – and how much it was missed in its two-year COVID-enforced absence.

    On a day where the skill levels of the country’s best Under-18 players were on full display at Rondebosch Boys High School, Eastern Province secured a first win against FinGlobal Boland by 25-12, the Valke overcame Griquas by 34-28 in a highly entertaining affair, before Border silenced a passionate crowd at Tinkie Heyns Field when they outlasted the DHL Western Province XV 34-31 in another nail-biter.

    The final game of the day, featuring the unbeaten Sharks and DHL Western Province, had everything a pundit can expect at this level of rugby. Some outrageous skills, huge physicality, good game management, and individual brilliance on both sides delivered a stunning game and showed the depth of talent on display before the hosts snuck through by 29-24.

    Eastern Province showed a lot of composure in their second match of the tournament and outplayed Boland in a team effort of note. The impact of flyhalf Logan Muller in this match could not be denied, as he scored in all ways possible – try, conversion, penalty goal, and drop goal.

    The Valke and Griquas scored nine tries between the two – five by the East Randers and four by the team from the Northern Cape – in a match that stayed tight right through. The Valke held a 19-14 lead at the break and managed to keep that margin in the second half when both teams scored two tries each.

    Border thought they had the game all sewn up at halftime after scoring four tries, but DHL WP XV refused to give up and kept on coming. The East Londoners held a 28-19 lead, but WP came back strongly in the second half.

    Border kept their cool though with good game management and flyhalf Kyle van Wyk kicked two long-range penalty goals that handed them the crucial buffer. The home side scored in the last minute of play, but by then the result was secured for Border.

    The final match delivered even more intensity, as can be expected between two of the biggest unions in the country. Western Province scored some wonderful tries through their dangerous backs and was leading 19-14 at the break, with the Sharks nudging away through their pack of forwards that were slowly getting the better of their counterparts.

    A late Sharks try to cut the Province lead to 29-24 with five minutes to play, ensuring a pulsating end to the match.

    It will be another day of drama on Thursday, with the Blue Bulls and SWD realising that only one of them will have an undefeated record come Saturday, as will the Pumas and Thepa Trading Motswako Griffons. Both these northern sides scored good wins on Monday.

    The Leopards and Limpopo Blue Bulls will open proceedings at 10h30 tomorrow and in the other match on day four, Free State and Golden Lions will be looking for a first win.

    Scorers:

    Eastern Province 25 (22) – Tries: Max du Pisani, Logan Muller, Luvuyo Nkompela. Conversions: Muller (2). Penalty: Muller. Drop Goal: Muller. Boland 12 (12) – Tries: Biggy Claassen (2). Conversion: Jayden Fortuin.

    Valke 34 (19) – Tries: Devon Strydom (2), Nathan Matthee, Jaydon Bantom, Juandre Nel. Conversions: Bantom (3). Penalty: Bantom. Griqualand West 28 (14) – Tries: Wynand Botha, Ruben Pienaar, Phillip Visser, Melvin Diedericks. Conversions: Botha (2), Eldridge Jack (2).

    Border 34 (28) – Tries: Sibabalwe Mahashe (2), Sesethu Mpaka, Michael Maseti. Conversions: Kyle van Wyk (4). Penalties: Van Wyk (2). Western Province XV 31 (14) – Tries: Haashim Pead (2), Isaiah Louw, Gino Cupido, Dean Crouse. Conversions: Jandre Genis (3).

    Western Province 29 (19) – Try: Shah-Jehaan de Jongh (2), Ben Heydenrych, Jameel de Jongh, JC Mars. Conversions: Thurlon Williams (2). Sharks 24 (14) – Try: Lihle Bester, AJ Knoetze, Kungawo Mbanga. Conversions: AJ Knoetze (3). Penalty: Knoetze.

    Issued by SA Rugby Communications