Despite a beating against Ireland in the semi-final of the u.20 championship, Bafana Nhleko believes that there is still a lot at stake for the Junior Springboks.
The South Africans play in the third place final against England on Friday and a good performance will give the players and their supporters a reason to smile.
Although South Africa boasts more bronze medals than any other country in this championship, the team will throw everything into the battle to end the tournament on a positive note.
“We have struggled to get past the semi-finals in the past few years, but things are not over yet. We are still in the competition and there is definitely something more at stake,” said the coach.
According to Nhleko, the England showdown offers an opportunity for his players to show everyone what they are capable of.
“The group can gain a lot of confidence from the fact that they can play at a certain level. And now they get one more opportunity to show it.”
For the England clash, Damian Markus will be in the starting team for the first time, while Hennie Sieberhagen will also get a chance.
The Blue Bulls’ Quewin Nortjé is together with Jurenzo Julius the wings with Jean Smith and Neil le Roux the link pair.
“The short time between games means we have to look ahead and put the Ireland result behind us. We sometimes came up with good play, but we weren’t consistent enough.”
The match starts at 16:30 on Friday and the action will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
Junior Springboks: Regan Izaks (full back), Jurenzo Julius (right wing), Katlego Letebele (outside centre), Damian Markus (inside centre), Quewin Nortjé (left wing), Jean Smith (fly-half), Neil le Roux (scrum-half), Corné Beets (eighth man), Hennie Sieberhagen (flank), Paul de Villiers (captain and flank), Tiaan Wessels (lock), Coetzee le Roux (lock), Mawande Mdanda (prop), Juann Else (hooker) and Phatu Ganyane (prop). Substitutes: SJ Kotze, Corné Lavanga, Zachary Porthen, Abulele Ndabambi, Gcinokuhle Mdletshe, Imad Khan, Litelihle Bester and Michael Annies.
