Head coach Jonathan Pendlebury and assistant coach Will Parkin have named their England U18 Men’s side to face South Africa on the final matchday of the 2024 International Series. England will take on the Series hosts at Paarl Boys’ High School this Tuesday (20th, 12:30 BST kick-off) and will be streamed live on SuperSport Schools.
U18 management have made eight changes to the squad that overcame Six Nations Festival opponents Georgia on match day two, with Ainsworth-Cave now set to earn his first 2024 International Series start.
Bath Rugby’s Connor Treacey will earn his 10th U18 cap as captain of the 26-strong squad. He is accompanied by Aiden Ainsworth-Cave of Northampton Saints and Saracens’ Jack Marshall in the back-row.
Marshall’s clubmate Noah Caluori will make his third consecutive start after scoring his second try in as many appearances, in a 27-20 victory over Georgia on Friday. Fraser Rawlins’ brace contributed to England’s first win of the Series and he starts from the left wing this week, with Tom Dye (Northampton Saints) switching to tight-head prop.
Jonathan Pendlebury said: “Reflecting on the tour so far, our team have battled with intensity and relentlessness that has seen them become a much more cohesive unit as the days have passed. Their overall improvement as players and as a squad is crucial and something that has been incredibly pleasing.
“Our performance and result against Georgia was a testament to the character of this squad, who have impressed all of us as staff on their ownership, exploration and determination to consistently ‘Get Better’ throughout the last two weeks.
“As expected, our players are extremely motivated by the challenge ahead. Taking on South Africa away from home is a privilege as well as an opportunity for the boys and we’re eager to see them put our work into practice this Tuesday to conclude the Series.”
England U18 Men’s team to face South Africa (includes club and U18 caps)
15 Sam Winters (Bath Rugby, 2 caps)
14 Noah Caluori (Saracens, 2 caps)
13 Victor Worsnip (Bristol Bears, 2 caps)
12 Felix Champain (Harlequins, 4 caps)
11 Fraser Rawlins (Saracens, 4 caps)
10 James Linegar (Bath Rugby, 6 caps)
9 George Newman (Exeter Chiefs, 2 caps)
1 Elvis Kitenge-Fuki (Newcastle Falcons, 2 caps)
2 Tom Davis (Sale Sharks, 2 caps)
3 Tom Dye (Northampton Saints, 3 caps)
4 Elliot Williams (Harlequins, 5 caps)
5 Jonno Balding (Gloucester Rugby, 5 caps)
6 Aiden Ainsworth-Cave (Northampton Saints, 5 caps)
7 Jack Marshall (Saracens, 2 caps)
8 Connor Treacey (C) (Bath Rugby, 9 caps)
Replacements
16 Oscar Thomas (Bath Rugby, 2 caps)
17 Diamond Ayiehfor (Leicester Tigers, 2 caps)
18 Ben Beere (Leicester Tigers, 2 caps)
19 Jack Murphy (Saracens, 2 caps)
20 Ollie Hull (Northampton Saints, 2 caps)
21 Matthew Branch-Holland (Saracens, 2 caps)
22 Finn Keylock (Saracens, 2 caps)
23 Cameron Ward (Bath Rugby, 2 caps)
24 Julian Nunn (Bath Rugby, 2 caps)
25 Ben Morrow (Saracens, 2 caps)
26 Asa Stewart-Harris (Saracens, 2 caps)
England U18 Men’s 2024 International Series fixtures and results
Monday 12th August – England 28-42 Ireland – Stellenberg High School
Friday 16th August – Georgia 20-27 England – Paarl Gimnasium
Tuesday 20th August – South Africa vs. England – 12:30 BST kick-off – Paarl Boys’ High School