THE first step in South Africa’s preparations for the 1999 Sanzar/UAR Under-21 Rugby Championship kicks off this weekend with trials featuring sides selected from the four Super 12 regions. Sarfu spokesperson Anthony Mackaiser says the trial matches will be played at the Tech Gardens club on Sunday and Monday, and a core group of about 40 to 50 players will be selected. The final squad for the tournament in July will then be selected. This year’s tournament, which will take place in Argentina, has been expanded to include eight teams – South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, England, France, Ireland and Italy. The four trial squads include 24 of the 26 players that toured England at the end of 1998. Those missing are Under-21 captain and prop John Smit, who is part of the Sharks Winfield Super 12 squad, and Blue Bulls fullback Johan Roets.