IRELAND SLUMPED TO a 33-24 Under-20 Six Nations Summer Series defeat against South Africa despite a brave second-half fightback in Verona.
They were torn apart before the break by an unflinching South Africa pack, with the bonus-point score coming after just 35 minutes for Bafana Nhleko’s side.
Ireland were vastly improved after the break and gave their travelling support something to savour when Dylan O’Grady, Oisin Michel and captain Reuben Crothers all crossed.
But it was not enough to overturn the damage of the first half, and Richie Murphy must find a quick solution if Ireland are to avoid finishing bottom in Pool A.
South Africa struck first after dominating the early stages, with Cameron Hanekom powering over from close-range, adding to his score from Round 1 against England.
Ireland were then gifted an immediate opportunity to strike back when Boks hooker Tiaan Lange was penalised deep inside his half.
But the throw from James McCormick was deemed not straight by referee Benoit Rousselet. That did not deter Murphy’s side however, and they slowly began to assert themselves thereafter.
After a succession of penalties, captain Reuben Crothers opted for a shot at goal and Sam Prendergast had the simple task of striking Ireland’s first three points of the game.
But the decision to not go for the corner seemed to reinvigorate South Africa, who perhaps sensed trepidation in the Irish ranks.
Whereas Ireland seemed to lack the decisive pass or break, South Africa had dangerous runners in vast supply, and three different scorers then added their name to the scoresheet in a destructive 10-minute spell.
Lock Reinhardt Ludwig powered over from close-range for the first, as the Irish pack struggled to compete with the intensity of their Bok counterparts.
Reinhardt Ludwig was next to cross with another upfront finish, and the forwards were lining up by this point, with Lange next, followed by Corne Rahl.
There was cause for Irish optimism going into the break, however, as Lange was penalised again, this time for a high tackle which prompted a yellow-card.
Ireland could not quite make use of the man advantage but ironically did cross as soon as Lange returned. After winger King came within metres of the whitewash, only to lose his footing with the line at his mercy, fellow flyer O’Grady finished off a cracking move.
That proved the highlight of the game for the Irish though, as South Africa soon struck back. Replacement hooker Lukhanyo Vokozela powered his way over for a fifth score for the Bok pack.
As the game began to meander, Ireland did muster a second score. Prop Oisin Michel pushed through after a tap penalty from in front of the posts.
Then with the clock in the red, captain Crothers scored to end the game on a positive note ahead of Ireland’s final pool fixture against England next Tuesday.
- The Six Nations Under-20 Summer Series takes place from 24 June – 12 July. Fans can watch every match live. For more information visit: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJHm6BFw-9JRA1CMekNLwMg
Ireland U20
P Campbell; A King (S McCarthy 64), F Gibbons (G Coomber 74), D Hawkshaw, D O’Grady; S Prendergast (R Malone 74), M Moloney (A O’Mahony 46); G Hadden (O Michel 49), J McCormick (J Hanlon 58), D McSweeney (K Ryan 30 (S Wilson 64)); C O’Tighearnaigh, D Mangan; J McNabney (A McNamee 17), R Crothers (capt) (C Irvine 77), G Shaw (L McLoughlin 40)
South Africa U20
D Koevort; D Don (K Letebele 62), E James (I Khan 69), C Baines, S Hartzenburg; S Mnogmezulu (capt) (C Von Ludwig 69), N Steyn (N Le Roux 49); C Lavanga (L Nunu 72), T Lange (L Nel 49 (G Mdletshe 69)), S Mabecebach (C Weilbach 72); C Rahl, R Ludwig (C Evans 49); P de Villiers (R Venter 74), L Nel (Vokozela 40 (T Lange 77), C Hanekom
Referee: Benoit Rousselet (FRA)
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Why is there a Hollywood star in the picture lads?
@#JUSTICE4NOEL: Didn’t go for glory at the end either, just passed the ball on to COB to put the game away. Israel Folau should take note.
@#JUSTICE4NOEL: sporting icon
Fair play to Leinster, it got sticky in a game that should have been straight forward but they hung in there and got the job done and came home with the bonus point win. There were some very average performances in the first half, especially from the all international front row who were all outplayed but the half time chat got them all more focussed. Fardy did well and Deegan put in some big numbers. Thought o brien did well at 12 too and so did Gibson Park. Perfect result for Cullen, maximum points but plenty of work ons for the young lads come Monday morning.
Porter is one of the most overrated players at the moment. Has little to no influence over a game and is average at best. Without bias to munster I would put him below stephen archer
@The_Muffin_Man: good joke im sure stephen archer is in the ireland squad too
@The_Muffin_Man: well for the bench, Ryan a better all round option maybe.
@The_Muffin_Man: about time someone called this. Porter is really struggling for form at the moment and it’s a worry if Furlong gets injured. The gulf is massive
@The_Muffin_Man: what absolute shite talk. Porter is still firmly 2 for Ireland.
@The_Muffin_Man: I cringe watching him trot around the park. Nothing in open play but excellent in the scrum.
@The_Muffin_Man: 1 bad game, he is a class ahead of Ryan. Deluded
Carty has to start against Italy
@Anthony: why?
@Jim Demps: Because he’s a Connacht player and Anthony is extremely biased towards Connacht players.
@Ian Verdon: had he led with Ultan Dillane, he would have snapped up 50 recs by now. Dillane was outstanding. Looks like he’s really enjoying his rugby.
@grandslamkbo: Yeah dillane is back to his destructive best, it’s brilliant to see. His carriers were so explosive tonight and I would love him to start against Italy.
@Ian Verdon: haha keep biting lads lol
Lucky lucky boys
@rowan hill: A lucky 16 point, 6 try win away? I’ll take it!
@Oval Digest: Yep. They really dicked about in those 10 minutes before half time. Lost composure everywhere and the state of that Dave Kearney ‘tackle’ for the 3rd Zebre try!! Their conference is as good as over but some of the players are trying to get back in the national squad. They need to do much better. But, like you, I’ll take it. Plenty of home games left aswell.
10 points from securing 1st place at this stage. The league is brutal at stages (teams not sending teams to win away) tied in with Leinster being very good in others.
Watched it again, COB , Doris, deagan and moloney where all very good.
The best player on the pitch was JGP. His box kicks were very good and not for the first time this season set up a box kick and sniped a sneaky pass from the base allowing massive yards
You might aswell have called them “Zebra”