Another big victory for impressive SA U18s

The SA Under-18 side maintained their impressive record at the U18 International Series with a convincing 51-15 victory (half-time 24-5) over Ireland in their second-round match at Boland Landbou outside Wellington on Tuesday.

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 could not contain the hosts' late flurry of tries as the South Africans finished strongly.

As was the case in the opening match against France, 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 period. The other tries were scored by wings Lamla Mgedezi and Anesu Kuzonyei, giving the SA side a deserved 24-5 advantage at half-time.

The hosts, who remain unbeaten after not losing a match in the previous two editions of this annual age-group international event, dominated the close exchanges and set-piece 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 this 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 24-10 shortly after the restart.

However, the SA side managed to 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 scores to the SA tally later in the second half, while Ireland replacement outside back Johnny Wood bagged a third try for his side 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 were too strong for France in the second encounter (40-26).

The final round of the series takes place at Stellenberg HS in Cape Town's northern suburbs on Saturday. The SA U18 'A' team take on France (11.30am); Ireland face Georgia (1.30pm); and the SA U18s are up against England (3.30pm), with all the action live on SuperSport and YouTube.

Score

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

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

SA U18 International Series results and fixtures

Friday, 7 August – Hoërskool Durbanville

SA U18 'A' 32, Ireland 31

England 66, Georgia 33

SA U18 59, France 7

Tuesday, 11 August – Boland Landbou

SA U18 'A' 20, Georgia 0

England 40, France 26

SA U18 51, Ireland 15

Saturday, 15 August – Stellenberg High School

11.30am: SA U18 'A' v France

1.30pm: Ireland v Georgia

3.30pm: SA U18 v England