The SA U18 A side scored a nail-biting 32-31 victory over Ireland in the first match of the 2026 Under-18 International Series staged at Hoërskool Durbanville, in Cape Town’s northern suburbs, on Friday.
The South Africans led 17-7 at the break after scoring two converted tries as well as a penalty goal, while the Irish responded with a converted try.
The SA U18 A side increased their lead after the break, but Ireland hit back late and scored three tries in the second half, with hooker Herbie Doyle earning a brace. With minutes left on the clock, Ireland led by 29-28.
However, they failed to keep the determined SA U18 A side at bay in the closing stages.
Despite failing with a long-range attempt, replacement flyhalf Travis Pheiffer slotted the match-winning penalty goal minutes later to clinch this exciting encounter by a single point in front of an appreciative crowd on a bright, sunny winter’s day.
Next up for the SA U18 A side is a clash with Georgia U18, next Tuesday, 11 August at Boland Landbou.
Scorers:
SA U18 A 32 (17) – Tries: Charl Els, Werner de Bruin, Martin van Niekerk, Amogelang Mataboge. Conversions: Jaydon Viljoen (3). Penalty goals: Viljoen, Travis Pheiffer.
Ireland U18 31 (7) – Tries: Herbie Doyle (2), Micheal Smyth, Matthew McCarthy. Conversions: David Nolan (2), Luke Coffey (2). Penalty goal: Coffey.
U18 International Series – second round:
Tuesday, 11 August at Boland Landbou, Wellington
11h30: SA U18 A vs Georgia U18
13h30: England U18 vs France U18
15h30: SA U18 vs Ireland U18
Issued by SA Rugby Communications
