England Under 18 return to the City Park Stadium on the outskirts of Cape Town today to play South Africa in the final match of the Under 18 International Series (kick off 2pm BST).

A 15-7 victory over France marked the start of the series a week ago and John Fletcher's charges backed that up with a 33-8 win over South Africa A four days later.

Squad rotation has ensured all players were given the opportunity to start at least one of the first two games and Head Coach Fletcher has continued to alter his side.

Five players retain their places from Tuesday’s win against South Africa A with Roti Segun, Theo Brophy Clews, Jack Maunder, Joe Mullis, Billy Walker, Archie White and Callum Chick all starting, after being on the bench midweek.

In a back row shift, Zach Mercer moves from No 8 to blindside flanker, while versatile back Max Malins starts at full back having played at inside centre and fly half in the previous games.

Yorkshire Carnegie’s Max Wright has recovered from the illness that kept him out of the match against South Africa A and starts at outside centre.

Fletcher said: "We were pleased with the first half against South Africa A with the players scanning really well and moving the ball to the space, scoring some great tries.

"We dropped off in the second half and struggled to understand the depth that was needed to continue exploiting the opportunities.

"For the players the key learning from the last two games is that they need to continue to scan and make good collective decisions based on the opportunities given to us by the opposition.

"The attitude shown by the players has been excellent. The quality of the players coming from the regional academies improves year on year and I sometimes have to pinch myself that these players are still under 18 years old.”

The tour to South Africa is the culmination of the U18 programme for the majority of the players, a part of the England Rugby Player Development Pathway which prioritises performance and uses competition to support player development.

England U18 to face South Africa

15. Max Malins (Saracens, Felsted)
14. Sam Aspland-Robinson (Harlequins, Wellington College)
13. Max Wright (Yorkshire Carnegie, Prince Henry's)
12. Johnny Williams (London Irish, St Paul's Sunbury)
11. Roti Segun (Unattached, Stowe School)
10. Theo Brophy Clews (London Irish, Abingdon School)
9. Jack Maunder (Exeter Chiefs, Blundells School)

1. Jake Pope (Sale Sharks, Myerscough College)
2. Joe Mullis (Gloucester Rugby, Chosen Hill)
3. Billy Walker (Saracens, Oaklands College)
4. Archie White (Harlequins, Epsom College)
5. Nick Isiekwe (Saracens, Haileybury College)
6. Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby, Merchiston Castle School)
7. Will Allman (Northampton Saints, Trent College)
8. Callum Chick (Newcastle Falcons, Gosforth Academy, captain)