The England Saxons and South Africa ‘A’ have announced their line-ups for the first game of their two test series on Friday evening in Bloemfontein.
Dave Attwood, with 23 senior caps to his name, captains the side that also includes full internationals Danny Cipriani, Kieran Brookes, Matt Kvesic, Tommy Taylor, Ollie Devoto and Semesa Rokoduguni.
The South Africa side contains four players that have been training with the full side – Nic Groom, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Scarri Ntubeni and Garth April. April’s rise has been meteoric, given the youngster was third choice at the Sharks at the beginning of the season. Seven players in the South Africa team made their Super Rugby debuts this year.
Saxons Head Coach Ali Hepher said: “We’re really pleased with how the group is progressing together. We’re developing the players, which is key to this tour, and we now want to see how they perform on the international stage.
“Friday night offers us a fantastic challenge and this game will tell us where we’re at, what we’ve got to work on and improve, and to see the strengths the guys have on the field.
“We want to see a team that doesn’t hold back, that is fearless in the way it puts itself out there, but is also very accurate, playing smart rugby with or without the ball.”
South Africa ‘A’ head coach Johan Ackermann said: “I think we have a brilliant mix of experienced players who have tasted what Test rugby is all about, as well as the four members of the Springbok squad, and exciting youngsters who will be pushing for higher honours in the coming seasons.
“I’m sure we’ll see some excitement on the field on Friday. We’re up against a very formidable opponent and the Saxons have been together for a long time already, so our players know that they have to sharp, focused and on top of their game for the full 80 minutes.”
England Saxons
15 Mike Haley, 14 Alex Lewington, 13 Nick Tompkins, 12 Ollie Devoto, 11 Semesa Rokoduguni, 10 Danny Cipriani, 9 Dan Robson, 8 Sam Jones, 7 Matt Kvesic, 6 Don Armand, 5 Charlie Ewels, 4 Dave Atwood (c), 3 Kieran Brookes, 2 Tommy Taylor, 1 Alex Hepburn.
Replacements: 16 George McGuigan, 17 Ross Harrison, 18 Jake Cooper-Wooley, 19 Mitch Lees, 20 Dave Ewers, 21 Micky Young, 22 Sam James, 23 Christian Wade
South Africa A
15 Leolin Zas, 14 Travis Ismaiel, 13 Francois Venter, 12 Howard Mnisi, 11 Courtnall Skosan, 10 Garth April, 9 Nic Groom, 8 Nizaam Carr, 7 Oupa Mohoje (c), 6 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 5 Stephan Lewies, 4 JD Schickerling, 3 Vincent Koch, 2. Scarra Ntubeni, 1 Thomas du Toit.
?Replacements: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17. Lizo Gqoboka, 18 Coenie Oosthuizen, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Jean-Luc du Preez, 21 Piet van Zyl, 22 Francois Brummer, 23 Lukhanyo Am.
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images
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Some serious quality in that England side!
Seriously good England side. Slightly surprised to see Lewington and Jones about Wade and Ewers in the pecking order, but otherwise I would think this is the team that was expected.
Robson and Cipriani have arguably been the form players in their position over the past 12 months, and I expect their styles to really suit each other – a combo I’m looking forward to seeing at Wasps next year.
I’m a big fan of Mike Haley as well, he must be close to full England honours with the form of Brown at the moment.
I wonder what Sam Hill is making of Devoto coming to Exeter next year. Could get in his way for club and country.
Hope Robson and Kvesic play blinders to force their way into EJ’s plans.
Assuming Sarries and Chiefs resume their battle next season, Koch v Hepburn should be interesting.
Brookes too
I’m flabbergasted that he wasn’t taken to Aus and a big performances here may go some of the way to getting back above Cole in the pecking order
I think Slade will start playing more at 10 with Devoto adopting into his role at 13. Maybe. Ish.
Steeno has probably one more season left in him. Expect to see Henry move to 10 with Devoto and Hill in the centres. I dare say Devoto (assuming he doesn’t get a call up from the first team) will fill in for Henry whilst he’s away on England duty next season.
I’m sure they will all be very impartial but the following just doesn’t quite sit right with me
Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge (South Africa)
Assistant Referees: Lourens van der Merwe (South Africa), Jaco Kotze (South Africa)
TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa)
The match is being shown live on SKY SPORTS 3.