Get ready to rumble, rugby fans! This Friday, the U18 International Series kicks off with Markus Muller leading the South African charge as captain against France U18, right at the heart of Hoërskool Durbanville in Cape Town. It's not just about one game; the whole day is packed with action as SA U18 A squares off against Ireland early at 11:30 AM followed by England clashing with Georgia at 1:30 PM. And yes, you can catch all the thrills live on the SuperSport Schools platform.
Muller isn't just wearing the captain's band; he's also reviving his midfield partnership with Ethan Adams, though they're shaking things up with reversed roles this time around. Adding more muscle to the lineup, Josh Neill makes a comeback from injury, ready to shake up the loose trio. SA U18 coach Lwazi Zangqa isn't holding back his excitement, emphasizing the cohesion built from previous games.
"Playing together previously has allowed us to iron out issues and grow combinations. We’ve gone predominantly with the SA Schools side that faced the SA A team to maintain continuity,"
Zangqa explained.The match against France isn't just another game; it's a critical part of grooming these young talents for future glory in the Junior Boks and potentially at the World Rugby U20 Championship. Zangqa sees it as a golden opportunity to prep his squad for bigger battles ahead.
"We are honoured to represent South Africa at U18 level, which is a step up to international rugby, and we have another fantastic opportunity to showcase our skills,"
he added.Meanwhile, the SA U18 A team isn't just showing up to play; they're aiming to dominate. Coach Flash Malinga has his game plan set to leverage their strengths in the set piece, kicking game, and counter-attack to overpower Ireland. The lineup has seen some shifts due to injuries, with Deon Botes and Sbabalwe Magwebu stepping up to the A squad, while Matt van der Merwe joins the main U18 group.
From the strategic shuffles to the exciting match-ups, this series opener is more than just a curtain-raiser; it's a glimpse into the future of South African rugby. With talents like these on display, the sport's robust pipeline promises intense, edge-of-your-seat entertainment. So, mark your calendars and don't miss a minute of the action!