South Africa Under-18s sweep aside Ireland to maintain unbeaten series run

South Africa Under-18s continued their dominant start to the U18 International Series with a 51-15 victory over Ireland at Boland Landbou outside Wellington on Tuesday.

The South Africans led 24-5 at half-time after controlling the opening exchanges and scoring four tries. Ireland improved after the break, but a late burst from the hosts ensured another convincing win.

The result means the SA U18s remain unbeaten in the competition. They have also not lost a match in the previous two editions of the annual age-group international event.

Captain Jacobus de Villiers again played a central role after making a strong impression in the opening match against France last Friday. His high-energy performance was rewarded with two tries in the first half.

Wings Lamla Mgedezi and Anesu Kuzonyei also crossed before the interval, while Achmat Behardien added two conversions to give South Africa a 19-point advantage at the break.

The SA U18s dominated the close exchanges and set piece from the start, restricting Ireland’s opportunities to build pressure. Ireland had lost their opening match 20-19 to the SA U18 ‘A’ side in Durbanville last Friday and arrived in Wellington determined to respond, with the game played in bright winter sunshine.

Ireland began the second half with greater purpose. After Alex Moloney had scored their first try before the interval, captain and scrum-half Luke Coffey crossed soon after the restart for an unconverted score that reduced the deficit to 24-10.

South Africa, though, regained control through an effective territorial kicking game and continued to force Ireland into defensive work. Replacement hooker Charles Whitehead then scored twice, putting the outcome beyond doubt.

The hosts continued to attack effectively in the closing stages. Replacements Stefan van der Vyfer and Clement Makelele added further tries for the SA U18s, while Ireland replacement outside back Johnny Wood scored their third try of the match.

Ethan van Biljon contributed two conversions and a penalty goal as South Africa completed a comprehensive 51-15 success.

Earlier on Tuesday, the SA U18 ‘A’ side defeated Georgia 20-0 in the first match of the day. England then beat France 40-26 in the second encounter.

The final round of the series will be played at Stellenberg HS in Cape Town’s northern suburbs on Saturday.

The SA U18 ‘A’ team will meet France at 11h30, followed by Ireland against Georgia at 13h30. The SA U18s will then face England at 15h30. All three matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport and YouTube.

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: Ethan van Biljon.

Ireland 15 (5)

Tries: Alex Moloney, Luke Coffey, Johnny Wood.