Muzi Manyike will lead the SA Schools team from outside centre in Friday’s clash against Wales at Boland Landbou.

The match will kick off the U18 international series that also involves England and France, who will face each other earlier in the day.

Manyike, who is the head boy of Jeppe High School for Boys in Johannesburg, represented the Golden Lions at the U18 Craven Week in July.

Lock Adrian Alberts, named as captain of the SA Schools team for the series, will not be in action due to a slight strain.

SA Schools coach Sean Erasmus said he was looking forward to seeing how Manyike performs at outside centre.

‘We looked at the squad and where our strengths are and picked particular players in positions where they will help to boosts those good attributes.

‘We feel that our outside backs and back three hold some attacking threats and would like to use that to our advantage. Muzi will play an important role in that regard, not only as captain, but as a communicator in that role.’

SA Schools – 15 Rynhardt Jonker, 14 Lwandile Menze, 13 Muzilikazi Manyike (c), 12 Mnombo Zwelindaba, 11 Stravino Jacobs, 10 Juan Mostert, 9 Thomas Bursey, 8 Celimpilo Gumede, 7 Mihlali Mgolodela, 6 Keketso Morabe, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Sibusiso Sangweni, 3 Herman Agenbag, 2 Jean-Jacques Kotze, 1 Dewald Donald.
Subs from (forwards): Jacques Goosen (hooker), Thabiso Mdletshe (prop), Hanru Jacobs (prop), Lunga Ncube (lock), Uzile Tele (flanker), Adrian Alberts (lock), Tristan Dullisear (flanker), Jarrod Taylor (flanker), Evan Roos (No 8), De Wet Marais (flanker).
Backs: Jurich Claasens (scrumhalf), Brendan Venter (centre), Wyclef Vlitoor (winger), Sibabalwe Xamlashe (fullback), Darren Hendricks (fullback).

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Photo: Shaun Roy/Gallo Images