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Jean's advice to Baby Boks

Cape Town - Springbok captain Jean de Villiers has given the South African Under-20 side valuable advice ahead of their Junior World Cup semi-final clash against Wales in Vannes, France on Tuesday evening.

"In any knockout game it is important to stick to your plans, perfectly execute the basic aspects of the game and obviously to employ rock-solid defence," De Villiers told Die Burger.

"Wales is a tough opponent, but I have confidence in Dawie (Theron - coach) and his team. They showed tremendous character last year when they went from losing in the first round to Ireland to winning the tournament - it's that sort of perseverance that they will need in their semi-final."

Theron made five changes in his starting line-up from the team that beat France 26-19.

Amongst the backs, flyhalf Robert du Preez returns to play in the No 10 jersey while Handré Pollard moves to inside centre in place of Rohan Janse van Rensburg. Stefan Ungerer reclaims the No 9 jersey from his Sharks provincial team-mate 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. Marné Coetzee therefore moves to the bench to make way for De Bruin.

Amongst the replacements, flank 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 amongst the backs after passing a fitness test on Monday.

Kick-off is at 18:15 (SA time) on Tuesday. New Zealand and England clash in the other semi-final at 20:45.

The SA Under-20 team:

15. Cheslin Kolbe (Western Province)
14. Luther Obi (Leopards)
13. Dries Swanepoel (Blue Bulls)
12. Handré Pollard (Blue Bulls)
11. Seabelo Senatla (SARU contracted)
10. Robert du Preez (Sharks)
9.   Stefan Ungerer (Sharks)
8. Ruan Steenkamp (captain, Blue Bulls)
7. Jacques du Plessis (Blue Bulls)
6. Roelof Smit (Blue Bulls)
5. Dennis Visser (Blue Bulls)
4. Irné Herbst (Blue Bulls)
3. Luan de Bruin (Free State Cheetahs)
2. Jacques du Toit (Free State Cheetahs)
1. Andrew Beerwinkel (Blue Bulls)

Substitutes:

16. Michael Willemse (Western Province)
17. Sti Sithole (Western Province)
18. Aidon Davis (EP Kings)
19. Kwagga Smith (Golden Lions)
20. Percy Williams (Golden Lions)
21. Justin Geduld (SARU contracted)
22. Jesse Kriel (Blue Bulls)
23. Marné Coetzee (Sharks)
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