Preview: South Africa A v England Saxons
ohan Ackermann's SA 'A' side looked rusty in the first half of their 24-32 defeat in their first meeting with the English in Bloemfontein last week and will be looking for a much better start this time around.
"We tried things, but ultimately the first-half performance in Bloemfontein cost us dearly," said Ackermann.
"If we can start on Friday like we finished off last week – bar that last try the Saxons scored – I know we can put together a much better show in George.
"I can also sense that the players are gelling a better on the training field having spent more time together and they know what is expected of them this weekend.
"If we can sharpen up on defence and look after the ball a bit better, the rest will come."
Ackermann has made a number of changes to the side that duty in Bloemfontein in a bid to rectify some of the mistakes that plagued them against the Saxons.
The Saxons on the other hand have made minimal changes with flyer Christian Wade getting a start after coming off the bench in the first match.
"We've got to improve again," said Saxons head coach Ali Hepher.
"South Africa will come back with an improved performance and so we need to make a shift as big, if not bigger than they do.
"We've been working on certain things in training so that we can put more into the game and take our opportunities better when they come. We'll be looking to be more clinical this week.
"Unfortunately Alex Lewington has picked up an injury and so is not available. There were a couple of big performances off the bench last time and so those players have pushed their cases to make the starting line-up."
Players to watch:
For South Africa 'A': Francois Brummer impressed as a replacement in the first encounter and would be looking to continue that form with Piet van Zyl as his scrumhalf. Teboho Mohoje's leadership will be under scrutiny after he failed to spark his side into life and young hooker Malcolm Marx will want to improve on his previous performance to make a claim for Springbok honours.
For England Saxons: Danny Cipriani will once again look to control matters with his boot while South African-born loose forward Donovan Armand will be adamant in showing his country of birth what they are missing out on. Captain Dave Attwood will need to set the platform for his team mates to follow if they are to secure another victory.
Head to head: The battle of the loose forwards was key in the previous encounter, the only difference is that South Africa 'A' are without the services of Sikhumbuzo Notshe - a real standard in the first match. The flyhalf battle remains as interesting one as Danny Cipriani continues to stake a claim in the International side while Francois Brummer will have plenty on his shoulders after an impressive performance last time out.
Prediction: The South Africa 'A' side may be hurting from not only the previous result, but also the manner in which they played. England Saxons, on the other hand, will be looking to continue their winning momentum. It certainly makes for a mouth-watering and exciting encounter. The people of George will be in for a good one and we expect the home side to bounce back by securing a five-point victory.
Teams:
South Africa 'A': 15 Leolin Zas, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Francois Venter, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Courtnall Skosan, 10 Francois Brummer, 9 Piet van Zyl, 8 Arno Botha, 7 Teboho Mohoje (captain), 6 Jean-Luc du Preez, 5 Rudolph Snyman, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Marcel van der Merwe, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Thomas du Toit.
Replacements: 16 Edgar Marutlulle, 17 Coenie Oosthuizen, 18 Lizo Gqoboka, 19 JD Schickerling, 20 Nizaam Carr, 21 Ntando Kebe, 22 Howard Mnisi, 23 Travis Ismaiel.
England Saxons: 15 Mike Haley, 14 Semesa Rokoduguni, 13 Nick Tompkins, 12 Ollie Devoto, 11 Christian Wade, 10 Danny Cipriani, 9 Dan Robson, 8 Donovan Armand, 7 Matt Kvesic, 6 Dave Ewers, 5 Charlie Ewels, 4 Dave Attwood (captain), 3 Kieran Brookes, 2 Tommy Taylor, 1 Alec Hepburn.
Replacements: 16 George McGuigan, 17 Ross Harrison, 18 Jake Cooper-Woolley, 19 Mitch Lees, 20 Sam Jones, 21 Micky Young, 22 Sam Hill, 23 Sam James.
Date: Friday, June 17
Venue: Outeniqua Park, George
Kick-off: 19.10 (18.10 BST; 17.10 GMT)
Referee: Jaco van Heerden (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Quinton Immelman (South Africa), Egon Seconds (South Africa)
TMO: Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)