Western Province loose forward Rikus Bothma will captain the Junior Boks in their tour opener against Argentina on Tuesday.

Coach Dawie Theron has opted to rest regular captain Hanro Liebenberg along with Sharks flank Dan du Preez, who are both nursing minor niggles.

The Junior Boks will be using the two-match series to complete their preparations for the World Rugby U20 Championship taking place in Italy next month.

'Argentina thrive on strong forward play and they also have a great kicking game. They are playing at home in front of their passionate fans so we will have to be switched on from the start,' said Theron.

'Every player will get a chance to play, including Hanro and Dan who we are resting for this match as precaution. We know from previous U20 Championship campaigns that your full squad of 28 players must be involved, and that is something we will simulate on this tour.

'I am very pleased with our training session of yesterday and now we must start on a good, high tempo against a tough opponent.'

The match will kick off at 7:30pm South African time and the two countries will meet for a second time on Saturday in Rosario.

Junior Boks – 15 Malcolm Jaer, 14 Grant Hermanus, 13 JT Jackson, 12 Daniel du Plessis, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Ernst Stapelberg, 9 Marco Janse van Vuuren, 8 Jean-Luc du Preez, 7 Jacques Vermeulen, 6 Rikus Bothma (c), 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Abongile Nonkontwana, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Ox Nche.
Subs: 16 Mzamo Majola, 17 Jan van der Merwe, 18 Frans van Wyk, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 CJ Velleman, 21 Ivan van Zyl, 22 Brandon Thomson, 23 Warrick Gelant.

Photo: Luke Walker/Gallo Images