The 45tj annual Coca-Cola Under-18 Craven Week kicks off at Afrikaans Hoer Seunskool (Affies) in Pretoria on Monday where 20 teams will play five matches from Monday to Thursday. \

The tournament culminates on Saturday with 10 matches and all 20 teams in action. Friday is a rest day.

Two neighbouring countries, Namibia and Zimbabwe, also have teams participating in the tournament.

"The cream of the crop of our Under-18 rugby talent will gather in Pretoria and there has been a lot of excitement in the build up to the tournament.

"The players taking part form the basis of the future national Under-19 squad so there is a lot to play for," said Mervyn Green, Saru manager.

"In addition to selecting SA Schools teams afterwards, we will also identify 80 to 100 boys that will be taken up into the Saru elite squads."

The fixtures for the first two days are confirmed with the remainder being determined by the outcome of these matches.

Monday: 10.10am: Griquas CD v Eastern Province CD; 11.30am: Namibia v Border CD; 12.50pm: Limpopo v Boland; 2.10am: Western Province v Pumas, 3.30pm: Blue Bulls v SWD.

Tuesday:

10.10am: Border v Zimbabwe; 11.30am: Leopards v Eastern Province; 12.50pm: Valke v Griquas; 2.10pm: Kwazulu-Natal v Griffons; 3.30pm: Free State v Lions.

Sapa

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