Dawie Theron made one change to the Junior Springboks team for today’s IRB Junior World Championship final against England at Eden Park in Auckland.

Dan Kriel, who is the twin brother of outside centre Jesse Kriel, will play on the right wing in place of Lloyd Greeff due to his defensive qualities.

Flanker Jean Luc du Preez returns to the bench to replace Abongile Nonkontwana after recovering from blow to the head sustained during the pool game against New Zealand in Albany. during a pool game.

Coach Dawie Theron says he is expecting a tough challenge from an on-form England side which is also carrying the extra motivation of being defending champions.

“They are a good side and have progressed to the final without losing a match,”Theron said. “It’s going to be a titanic battle.”

Hosts New Zealand will play Ireland in the third place play-off before the final.

The Junior Springbok team to face England:

15. Warrick Gelant, 14. Dan Kriel, 13. Jessie Kriel, 12. André Esterhuizen, 11. Sergeal Petersen, 10. Handré Pollard (captain), 9. JP Smith, 8. Aidon Davis, 7. Cyle Brink, 6. Jacques Vermeulen, 5. Nico Janse van Rensburg, 4. JD Schickerling, 3. Dayan van der Westhuizen, 2. Corniel Els, 1. Thomas du Toit

Substitutes: 16. Joseph Dweba, 17. Pierre Schoeman, 18. Wilco Louw, 19. Victor Sekekete, 20. Jean Luc du Preez, 21. Zee Mkhabela, 22. Jean Luc du Plessis, 23. Duhan van der Merwe