Super 12 quartet key to SA U-21 success

The performances of JP Nel, Pedrie Wannenburg, Jorrie Muller and Clyde Rathbone may determine the success of the South African Under-21 team in next month's World Championship to be staged in Johannesburg.

The form of the Super 12 quartet will be central to the home team's fortunes in the 12-team competition which kicks off on June 14.

The South African squad also includes Jean de Villiers and Ashwin Willemse, who were part of Chester Williams' Springbok Sevens team who finished second on the IRB Sevens points table.

Another interesting inclusion is Western Province and former Leopards flyhalf Francois Swart, who was included in a Springbok training squad last year.

But it is the Super 12 quartet who must provide the spark and composure. Nel has been a forceful figure in the Bulls midfield, while Wannenburg has at times been outstanding in the same team's pack. Muller and Rathbone broke into the Cats and Sharks squads after both teams had to come to grips with midfield injuries.

The team will assemble in Johannesburg on Sunday for a two-day camp starting on Monday.

Coach Jake White will also conduct a 10-day camp from May 19. The team will play against the National Services XV in Bloemfontein as a curtain-raiser to the Springboks' Test against Wales on June 8.

SA Under 21 squad

Props: Pat Barnard (WP), Rayno Gerber (Cheetahs), Guthro Steenkamp (Cheetahs)

Hookers: Dean Hopp (SWD), Gary Botha (Blue Bulls)

Locks: Jaco du Toit (SWD), Quinton Geldenhuys (Sharks), Gordon Gillfillan (WP), Stefan van Rooyen (Leopards)

Flanks: Maurice Reid (Boland), Roland Bernard (Lions), Pedrie Wannenburg (Blue Bulls)

No 8s: Jacques Cronje (Blue Bulls), Jean Smith (Cheetahs)

Scrumhalves: Enrico January (Boland), Fourie du Preez (Blue Bulls)

Flyhalves: Tsepo Kokoali (Lions), Francois Swart (WP)

Centres: Jean de Villiers (WP), JP Nel (Blue Bulls), Clyde Rathbone (Sharks)

Centre/wing: Dewey Swartbooi (Blue Bulls)

Wings: Ashwin Willemse (Boland), Odwa Ndungane (Border)

Wing/fullback: Christiaan Els (Leopards)

Fullback: Jorrie Muller (Lions)

Manager: Naas Botha

Coach: Jake White. Assistant coaches: David Dobela, John Williams. Technical analyst: Timmy Goodwin