Kings wing Sergeal Petersen and Bulls flyhalf Handré Pollard have been included in a 76-man SA U20 training group.
Petersen, who has surprisingly not been loaned out to another Super Rugby franchise this year, missed last year's Junior World Championship because of injury. Pollard played in the 2012 and 2013 tournaments that saw the Junior Boks claim gold and bronze medals respectively.
'There are a lot of talented players in the group and it certainly helps us that some of these players, such as Malcolm Marx [Lions], André Esterhuizen, Thomas du Toit [Sharks], Jesse Kriel, Handré Pollard [both Bulls] and Ryno Eksteen [Stormers] have played in Super Rugby warm-up matches for their franchises,' said Theron.
'We are also fortunate to include a number of players who played last year in France, such as Pollard, Jesse Kriel, Rohan Janse van Rensburg [all Bulls] and Aidon Davis [EP Kings]. Sergeal Petersen is also available.'
SA U20 training group:
Blue Bulls – Handré Pollard, Jesse Kriel, Duhan van der Merwe, Rohan Janse van Rensburg, Dan Kriel, Keagon Gordan, Kobus Marais, Warrick Gelant, Ganfred May, Marcus Kleinbooi, Duncan Mathews, JP Smith, Corniel Els, Wilco Louw, Dayan van der Westhuizen, Pierre Schoeman, Abongile Nonkontwana, Rohan Janse van Rensburg, RG Snyman, Heinrich Viljoen, Justin Basson.
Golden Lions – Malcom Marx, Michael Hazner, Ramone Samuels, Jaco van der Walt, Jano Venter, Thabo Mabuza, Vincent Maropeng, Victor Sisekete, JP du Preez, Pieter Scholtz, Stephan Vermeulen, Cyle Brink, Dylan Smith.
Leopards – Jaco Botha, Kock Marx, Dean Stokes, Lloyd Greef.
Free State – Ox Noche, Joseph Dweba, Mthokozisi Mkhabela, Nicolaas Lee, Marthinus Oosthuizen, Jandré Slabbert.
EP Kings – Aidon Davis, Sergeal Petersen, Kevin Kaba, Alrin Eksteen.
Sharks – André Esterhuizen, Thomas du Toit, Gideon Koegelenberg, Chris de Beer, Jean-Luc du Plessis, Dan du Preez, Jean-Luc du Preez, Neil Maritz, Sandile Khubeka, Cameron Wright, Ayron Schramm, Ray Williams, Sias Koen.
Western Province – Ryno Eksteen, JD Schickerling, Jacques Vermeulen, Rikus Bothma, Daniel du Plessis, Jarryd Sage, SP Ferreira, Justin Philips, Dewald Naudé, Grant Hermanus, Chad Solomon, Wesley Adonis, Frans van Wyk.
Camp 1
31 March – 16 April
Stellenbosch Academy of Sport
Camp 2
23 April – 17 May
Stellenbosch and Cape Town
SA U20 international friendlies
9 May: SA vs Argentina (City Park Stadium, Cape Town)
13 May: SA vs Argentina (Paul Roos, Stellenbosch)
17 May: SA vs Argentina (Saldanha Rugby Club, Saldanha)
Camp 3 (holding camp)
23-26 May
Stellenbosch Academy of Sport
SA U20 Junior World Championship fixtures
2 June: SA vs Scotland (North Harbour)
6 June: SA vs New Zealand (North Harbour)
10 June: SA vs Samoa (Pukekohe)
15 June: Playoffs (TBC)
20 June: Finals (Auckland)
Photo: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix
