Viljoen stars as SA U18 'A' finish unbeaten with win over France

The SA Under-18 'A' side finished their 2026 U18 International Series campaign unbeaten after producing their best performance of the tournament with a 51-26 victory over France U18 at Stellenberg High School north of Cape Town on Saturday.

The hosts led 27-21 at half-time and, after weathering a brief French resurgence, pulled away in the second half to secure a comprehensive and deserved win. The result ensured the SA U18 'A' team finished the series with a perfect record, following earlier victories over Ireland and Georgia.

Flyhalf Jaydon Viljoen was the standout performer for the South Africans, contributing 21 points through a try, five conversions, a penalty and a drop goal.

The entertaining first half yielded three tries apiece, with both teams making full use of their scoring opportunities.

The home side surged into a commanding 21-0 lead midway through the first half through tries by Linakho Mehlomakulu, Max Malan and Lucritia Magau, all converted by Viljoen.

France responded impressively and wrestled back momentum with three converted tries of their own. Philippe Roudaut, Sacha Codorniou and Arthur Noel crossed the whitewash, while Jehlani Trillon added the extras to keep the visitors firmly in contention.

Viljoen's long-range penalty and well-taken drop goal ultimately helped South Africa maintain their advantage, taking a six point lead into the half-time interval.

The break came at the ideal time for the hosts, halting the French momentum and allowing South Africa to regroup. They emerged for the second half with renewed energy and quickly struck through two superb long-range tries.

Viljoen was first to score before replacement Thomas Saunders finished off another attacking move from distance. Viljoen converted both tries to extend the lead to 41-21.

South Africa continued to apply pressure and were rewarded when Rufagon Hendricks sprinted clear to score in the right-hand corner, stretching the advantage to 46-21 with ten minutes remaining.

France managed a consolation try shortly before full-time, but South Africa had the final say when Ruan Genis crossed for the hosts' seventh try of the match, sealing an emphatic 51-26 victory.

The result capped an outstanding tournament for the SA U18 'A' side, who finished the 2026 U18 International Series unbeaten and in impressive fashion.

Score

SA U18 ‘A’ – Tries: Linakho Mehlomakulu, Max Malan, Lucritia Magau, Jaydon Viljoen, Thomas Saunders, Rufagon Hendricks, Ruan Genis. Conversions: Viljoen (5). Penalty: Viljoen. Drop goal: Viljoen.

France U18 – Tries: Philippe Roudaut, Sacha Codorniou, Arthur Noel, Aubin Richerol. Conversions: Jehlani Trillon (3).