Smith returns for Junior Boks in must-win Argentina clash in Athlone

Smith played in the team's opening Pool C match against Georgia on the first day of the tournament and scored 18 points.

Sam Francis then took over the number 10 jersey against Italy, but picked up an ankle injury and has since been ruled out of the tournament.

Flyhalf Jean Smith - the Junior Springboks leading scorer in their 2023 World Rugby Under-20 Championship campaign - will resume his role as the starting No 10 when South Africa take on Argentina at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Tuesday.

Uncapped tighthead prop Dian Heunis will make his first start in the tournament, as will replacement scrumhalf Asad Moos.

Ethan Hooker returns to the Junior Boks midfield, as will lock Coetzee le Roux with Hakeem Kunene also back in the squad.

According to Junior Springbok coach Bafana Nhleko, the team selection for Argentina rewards those players who did well in the opening two matches.

"We are in a tight spot and have to win this game in order to make the semi-finals, and I believe this team has the ability to do what is required," Nhleko said. 

"I think the weather conditions so far in the tournament did not really give our backs any chance to show their worth, but we first have to deliver upfront and address our discipline. The weather conditions look promising for Tuesday and the playing surface at Athlone Stadium is a good one.

"We know Argentina would have been stung by their defeat to Georgia, but so were we in losing to Italy. The squad is determined to make that up for it and the fantastic support so far from the locals, and this performance should reflect that."

South Africa v Argentina:

15. Hakeem Kunene, 14 Jurenzo Julius, 13 Katlego Letebele (vice-captain), 12 Ethan Hooker, 11 Michael Annies, 10 Jean Smith, 9 Imad Khan, 8