With heavy underfoot conditions expected in Paarl on Friday, the SA Under-18s are under no illusion that a tough challenge awaits them when they face Ireland in their first outing of the 2024 U18 International Rugby Series.

The match, which will take place at Paarl Gimnasium, kicks off at 15h30 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport Schools, as will the opening encounter of the day, between England and Georgia, which is scheduled to start at 13h30. Tickets are available here.

Ireland delivered an impressive performance on Monday when they outplayed England 42-28 in their opening match staged at Stellenberg High School in Cape Town.

The SA U18s are determined match the effort of the SA U18 ‘A’ side, who beat Georgia in their only clash of the series on Monday.

In naming the team that will be captained by hooker Sethu Mnebelele, SA U18 coach James Winstanley said his group prepared well for the series and are looking forward to meeting the challenge of a very good Irish team.

“We are privileged to have an outstanding coaching, medical and support staff in place and most importantly a phenomenal group of players that are excited to compete in the U18 International Series,” said Winstanley.

“Our goal as a staff is to create a gold standard experience for the players that they will remember for the rest of their lives. The overall aim of the U18 programme is to expose the players to the rigours of international rugby and prepare them for the pathway to the SA Rugby Academy and the Junior Springboks.”

Winstanley also praised the players’ efforts in the build-up to the much-anticipated series: “The SA Schools camp has provided us with the opportunity to align our structures and gain the momentum needed to produce Test match performances.”

The SA U18 mentor is confident that his team will be able to give good account of themselves in the annual series, starting on Friday against Ireland.

“The team selection reflects the importance of set pieces and go forward in order to win the gain line and breakdowns at international level,” he said.

“There is a strong probability of heavy playing conditions and so our kicking game and defence was also a factor in the decision-making process.”

Mnebelele also captained the SA Schools outfit against the SA Schools ‘A’ side last month in Krugersdorp, while AJ Meyer (lock) and Torren February (loose forward) have been drafted into the squad from the SA U18 ‘A’ team following injuries to James Schnetler and Kebotile Maake.

SA U18 team to face Ireland in Paarl:
15 Akha Boqwana
14 Kuthadzo Rashivhaga
13 Markus Muller
12 Pieter van der Merwe
11 Zekethelo Siyaya
10 Yaqeen Ahmed
9 Elgernon Meyer
8 Reuben Kruger
7 Josh Mackenzie
6 Alutha Wesi
5 Riley Norton
4 JD Hattingh
3 Ulrich van der Merwe
2 Sethu Mnebelele (captain)
1 Siba Booi
Replacements
16 Mahle Sithole
17 Phiwayinkosi Khubeka
18 Aidan Botha
19 AJ Meyer
20 Josh Neil
21 Adeeb Boraine
22 Simphiwe Moyo
23 Janco Purchase
24 Torren February
25 Ethan Adams
26 Cheswill Jooste

Issued by SA Rugby Communications