A date with ‘old enemy’ NZ beckons
Baby Boks expected to beat Wales to set up final against men in black
BOK FLYER: Baby Bok wing Luther Obi on his way to the tryline during South Africa’s win over France at Stade Henri Degranges
SOUTH Africa and New Zealand look set to march into the final when they meet Wales and England respectively in the semifinals of the IRB Junior World Championship in France tonight. If results go to form, Sunday’s keenly awaited final could be a repeat of last year’s decider when the Baby Boks beat the Baby Blacks 22-16 in front of 32 000 fans at Newlands in Cape Town.
There are five changes to the Baby Boks’ starting lineup.
In the backs, flyhalf Robert du Preez returns to play in the No 10 jersey while Handre Pollard moves to inside centre in place of Rohan Janse van Rensburg. Stefan Ungerer reclaims the No 9 jersey from his Sharks teammate Hanco Venter.
Andrew Beerwinkel will start at loosehead prop in place of Sti Sithole while Luan de Bruin is restored to the side after missing the match against France because of suspension.
De Bruin’s suspension of four weeks was set aside following a successful appeal. Marne Coetzee moves to the bench to make way for De Bruin.
Among the replacements, flanker “Kwagga” Smith comes in for the injured Jannes Kirsten while Justin Geduld, who missed the French match because of a slight knee injury, was included among the backs after passing a fitness test yesterday.
South African coach Dawie Theron said: “This is a very important match for us and we know that Wales are a well-coached side with a good structure and an especially a very good kicking game.
“We have done our homework and believe that we are a well-prepared, physical side and we are comfortable with the way we want to play.”
South Africa marched into the last four in impressive style by beating the United States, England and France while the New Zealanders accounted for Fiji, Australia and Ireland.
The record books show New Zealand are the only team never to have lost a Junior World Cup semifinal, and they must be confident of getting past an England side who lost 31-24 to South Africa in the preliminary stages.
South Africa, four-time winners New Zealand and Wales qualified for the semifinals as the top sides in their pools.
They were joined by England, who pipped Ireland and Argentina to the runner-up spot on points difference.
In their final group matches, South Africa edged past hosts France 26-19, Wales overcame Argentina 25-20 and England rewrote the record books by beating USA 109-0. New Zealand held off Ireland to win 31-26. The Junior Bok team is: Cheslin Kolbe; Luther Obi, Dries Swanepoel, Handre Pollard, Seabelo Senatla; Robert du Preez, Stefan Ungerer; Ruan Steenkamp (capt), Jacques du Plessis, Roelof Smit, Dennis Visser, Irne Herbst, Luan de Bruin, Jacques du Toit, Andrew Beerwinkel. Reserves: Michael Willemse, ST Sithole, Aidon Davis, Kwagga Smith, Percy Williams, Justin Geduld, Jesse Kriel, Marne Coetzee Tonight’s semifinals: South Africa v Wales, 6.15pm; NZ v England, 8.45pm.