The Junior Boks currently sit in first place with maximum points (10) on top of the Pool C standings after two convincing victories over Scotland and New Zealand. A point from their final pools fixture against the powerful Samoan outfit will guarantee them qualification for the semifinals on June 15.
With that in mind, Theron has only retained six players from the team that beat New Zealand in their last Pool C game.
In the forward pack hooker Corniel Els, locks JD Schickerling and Nico Janse van Rensburg and No.8 Aidon Davis all played against the NZ Under-20’s and will also start against Samoa in Pukekohe.
Amongst the backs, the halfback pairing of JP Smith and Handré Pollard were kept intact while Sergeal Petersen is the only other outside back who will start.
Pierre Schoeman and Wilco Louw return as props, Thabo Mabuza is given a first start at openside flank while a fit-again Jacques Vermeulen returns at blindside flank after missing the New Zealand match with an ankle injury.
Duhan van Merwe will play left wing, Sharks centre Andre Esterhuizen is fully fit again after his head knock against Scotland and therefore starts in the No.12 jersey while Dan Kriel moves from inside centre to now play in the No.13 jersey.
