Schoolboy Pollard gets SA call

SARU has announced the South African Under-20 team to play in the IRB's Junior World Championships which starts next Monday in the Western Cape.

Handré Pollard, the captain and flyhalf of Paarl Gim's First XV, is in the side, chosen to replace Johan Goosen who damaged a shoulder in a Super Rugby match.

Two others are injury replacement - wing Raymond Rhule, who replaces Dean Hammond (injured hamstring), and scrumhalf Vian van der Watt, who replaces Kevin Luiters (knee injury).

Coach Dawie Theron said: "I am confident that all three players will do well. They are very talented and slotted in with ease since they joined us last week."

The final SA U20 JWC squad:

Forwards: Wiaan Liebenberg (captain), Shaun Adendorff, Khaya Majola, Braam Steyn, Fabian Booysen, Pieter Steph du Toit, Ruan Botha, Paul Willemse, Marvin Orie, Maks van Dyk, Allan Dell, Oliver Kebble, Steven Kitshoff, Mark Pretorius, Jason Thomas.

Backs: Marais Schmidt, Dillyn Leyds, Travis Ismaiel, Raymond Rhule, Tshotsho Mbovane, William Small-Smith, Paul Jordaan, Patrick Howard, Jan Serfontein, Tony Jantjies, Handré Pollard, Vian van der Watt, Abrie Griesel.

The SA U20 fixtures:

Monday, June 4:

South Africa v Ireland (Danie Craven Stadium, 19.00)

Friday, June 8:

South Africa v Italy (UWC Stadium, 19.00)

Tuesday, June 12:

South Africa v England (Danie Craven Stadium, 19.00)