Another big victory for impressive SA u18

The SA U18s were on top in the first half, scoring four tries and two conversions to Ireland’s solitary try. Although the Irish defence improved significantly in the second half, they couldn’t stop a late flurry of tries as the South Africans finished strongly.

As was the case in the opening match against France last Friday, SA U18 captain Jacobus de Villiers was a live wire, and his high work rate was rewarded with two of his team’s four tries in the opening half. The other tries were scored by wings Lamla Mgedezi and Anesu Kuzonyei, giving the hosts a deserved 24-5 advantage at half-time.

The SA U18s, who remain unbeaten after not losing a match in the previous two editions of the annual age-group international event, dominated the close exchanges and set pieces from the outset, making it difficult for Ireland to gain any foothold in the contest.

Ireland lost their opening game by a single point to the SA U18 A side last Friday in Durbanville and were determined to make amends in the second-round fixture, played in bright winter sunshine.

Following Alex Moloney‘s solo try in the opening period, Ireland started the second half brightly when captain and scrumhalf, Luke Coffey, crossed for their second unconverted try to reduce the deficit to 10-24 shortly after the restart.

However, the SA U18 side put their opponents under pressure with a clever territorial game and soon added two tries, both scored by replacement hooker Charles Whitehead, to put the game out of reach.

Replacements Stefan van der Vyfer and Clement Makelele added two more tries to the SA tally later in the second half, while replacement outside back Johnny Wood bagged a third try for Ireland to make the final score 51-15 in favour of the South Africans.

Earlier on Tuesday, the SA U18 A side beat Georgia in the opening game of the day (20-0), while England was too strong for France in the second match (40-26).

The final round of the series takes place at Stellenberg High in Cape Town’s northern suburbs on Saturday. The SA U18 team takes on France (11:30); Ireland faces Georgia (13:30); and the SA U18 side tackles England (15:30), with all the action live on SuperSport and YouTube.

Scorers:

SA U18 51 (24) – Tries: Jacobus de Villiers (2), Lamla Mgedezi, Anesu Kuzonyei, Charles Whitehead (2), Stefan van der Vyfer, Clement Makelele. Conversions: Achmat Behardien (2), Ethan van Biljon (2). Penalty goal: Van Biljon.

Ireland 15 (5) – Tries: Alex Moloney, Luke Coffey, Johnny Woods.

Issued by SA Rugby Communications