Wales Under-20s head coach Richard Whiffin has declared his side is chasing a "statement win" as they prepare for a decisive Pool A match against reigning champions South Africa at the World Rugby U20 Championship in Tbilisi. Both teams have won their opening two matches, making Tuesday's clash a winner-takes-all contest for a semi-final berth.
Whiffin Recalls Winning Side
Whiffin has recalled the team that edged hosts Georgia 25-24 in the tournament opener, believing his players are ready for the biggest test of their young careers. "We want a statement win and we are prepped and prepared for it," said Whiffin. "This is the biggest game the boys will have played at this level given it's a winner-takes-all occasion."
He acknowledged South Africa's physical approach, noting, "The South Africans are big and physical, and they want it to be a collision-dominated game. We know we have to front up. They pride themselves on their physicality, but so do we. They'll want to dominate at scrum and maul time. That is a weapon of theirs but something we are prepared for and we're just excited to get the chance to take them on."
Previous Performances Build Confidence
Wales have already beaten Georgia and Uruguay in the tournament, and Whiffin believes previous performances against top age-grade sides have prepared them. "We've stood up to the big packs of England and France already this year," he added. "This is my biggest game as the U20 head coach and if we can back up our first two performances it would be great to have something to take home with us in terms of silverware."
A victory would secure Wales a first clean sweep of the pool stages since 2013.
Pollock Backed for England Captaincy
Former England international Stuart Barnes has urged Steve Borthwick to consider making Henry Pollock captain for the remainder of England's summer campaign. Following England's defeat to Argentina on Saturday, Barnes argued the squad lacked inspiration and called for a bold approach ahead of next weekend's clash with Fiji.
"After Saturday’s brave but uninspiring effort, why not make Henry Pollock captain for the summer?" Barnes wrote in The Times. "England need a leader who has the confidence to shake up the system. Bringing him on to the field at the hour mark was a waste. Making him captain could be a disaster. But who knows, it could provide the inspiration that has ebbed away from this squad."
Barnes acknowledged Pollock's lack of senior international experience but insisted England have little to lose. "Pollock is divisive, he’s a dream/nightmare depending on so many factors, but if not now, when is the time to gamble? If England do not dare to dream against Fiji — and win — next week, Borthwick must go. And at the very least, Pollock must start."
South Africa Awards Wrong Man of the Match
South Africa accidentally awarded the player of the match prize to the wrong player following their victory over England. Full-back Damian Willemse produced a standout display in his 50th Test, impressing with his work under the high ball, a superb 50:22 kick, and influential attacking contributions. The Supersport commentary team named Willemse as their player of the match, but a communication mix-up meant teammate Damian de Allende was called forward for the on-field presentation instead.
The mistake did little to spoil celebrations, with De Allende and Willemse later posing together to mark Willemse's 50th Test cap. Willemse is set to move to inside centre for South Africa's clash with Scotland on Saturday, with De Allende being rested.
England Call Up Tom Roebuck
Tom Roebuck has been called up to replace the injured George Furbank for England's remaining Nations Championship fixtures against Fiji and Argentina. Roebuck was a surprise omission from Steve Borthwick’s original 36-man squad after making three starts during the Six Nations, including the final two matches against Italy and France.
Furbank remains in Johannesburg after having his appendix removed on Friday, ruling him out of the 45-21 defeat by South Africa. He is due to leave hospital and return to the UK on Tuesday. Full-back Freddie Steward is expected to be available for Saturday’s clash with Fiji after missing the Springboks showdown due to a rolled ankle. Cadan Murley’s shoulder injury remains under investigation, and he is a doubt to face Fiji.
Alex Mitchell made his comeback as a second-half replacement against South Africa and is in contention to start. "Going to Liverpool will be pretty special – it’s a new stadium and new fans. To try get some new fans up there would be really nice," Mitchell said.
