England can’t keep South Africa at bay

By BEN JAYCOCK

South Africa…..39pts

England………….. 17pts

EXETER Chiefs scrum-half George Newman scored a first half wonder try but England U18s ended their summer international series in South Africa with a convincing defeat by their unbeaten hosts.

With England trailing 10-0 and approaching the 20-minute mark, Newman spotted space at a ruck off quick ball and darted from the base, dummying and stepping multiple defenders on the way to scoring a sumptuous try. Jonathan Pendlebury’s side were well beaten 4228 by Ireland before returning to winning ways with a 27-20 truimph over Georgia but the Junior Springboks proved one step too far.

South Africa beat Georgia 20-3 before seeing off Ireland 38-26 and led 17-7 at half-time before kicking on to outplay England in Paarl and secure a clean sweep.

Vusi Moyo opened the scoring when he landed a long-range penalty goal from the middle of the field, and 10 minutes later South Africa had their first try on the board through right wing Khuthadzo Rasivhaga.

But just two minutes later, England replied with their only try of the half via scrum-half George Newman, who dotted down over next to poles, and fly-half James Linegar slotted the extras.

The SA U18s continued to apply pressure through their hard-working forwards, and it was no surprise when No.8 Reuben Kruger barged over for their second try.

After the resumption, Moyo maintained the scoreboard pressure by slotting his second penalty to hand the hosts a comfortable 20-7 lead with more than a half hour of play remaining.

Cheswill Jooste went over for SA’s third try with just over 10 minutes remaining when he collected a pinpoint grubber kick from replacement fly-half Yaqeen Ahmed, increasing the lead to 25-7.

However, England gathered some momentum when their No.8 and captain Connor Treacey went over under the sticks for their second converted try to make it 25-14.

It was not to be though as the SA U18s hit back from the restart when Jooste who scored his second try of the day when he showed his dazzling pace out wide to outstrip the English defence after some good handling by the South Africans in the red zone.

Replacement scrum-half Elgernon Meyer sealed the deal a few minutes later with another good try, from a deft chip kick into space, to put the result beyond England.

Class finish: George Newman goes over for England