South Africa's Under-19 Academy Team Triumphs Over Ireland in Cork
The South African Under-19 Academy side showcased their prowess, defeating Ireland U20 by a score of 32-22 at Musgrave Park in Cork on Friday evening. This victory marked a positive conclusion to their brief European tour, following a setback against their French counterparts in Chateauroux the previous week.
In challenging conditions, the SA U19s demonstrated resilience and skill, outscoring Ireland with four tries to three. Captain Riley Norton, playing as a flanker, led the pack with distinction, while flyhalf Vusi Moyo orchestrated the game effectively, utilizing the wind to his advantage.
The match was characterized by heavy rain, adding to the difficulty of the artificial pitch. South Africa's physicality was evident from the start, with Ireland's Arthur Ashmore sustaining a shoulder injury within the first 10 minutes after a fierce collision. The visitors took control, leading 10-3 at halftime, showcasing their dominance in the aerial battle and territorial advantage.
Moyo and his opposite number, Tom Wood, exchanged penalty goals in the opening exchanges, setting the score at 3-3. South Africa then capitalized on their superior possession and territory, scoring seven points.
As the game progressed, Ireland's James O'Leary broke through, scoring a try under the posts and converting to level the scores at 10-10. However, South Africa's Mahle Sithole took over at halftime, and the tourists regained the lead with a strong maul, scoring two tries in the final 30 minutes.
The SA U19s extended their lead with a penalty try, awarded for illegal stopping of their maul, making it 22-10. Ireland responded with a try by Dylan McNeice, narrowing the gap to 22-15. The visitors then showcased their scrum power, with replacement prop Phiwayinkosi 'Rambo' Kubheka barging over for their fourth try, extending their lead to 29-15.
Despite a late try by Ireland's Sean Walsh, reducing the deficit to 29-22, South Africa's forwards remained dominant. Vusi Moyo's penalty kick secured the final score of 32-22, solidifying their victory.
Scorers:
Ireland U20: 22 (3) - Tries: James O'Leary, Dylan McNeice, Sean Walsh. Conversions: Conor O'Shauhnessy (2). Penalty goal: Tom Wood.
SA U19: 32 (10) - Tries: Siphosethu Mnebelele, Mahle Sithole, Penalty Try, Phiwayinkosi 'Rambo' Kubheka. Conversions: Vusi Moyo (2). Penalty goals: Moyo (2).
