South Africa produced another impressive performance in the U18 International Series with a big win over Ireland at Boland Landbou near Wellington on Tuesday.

The hosts scored seven tries in their 45-5 victory.

Playing into a light wind in the first half, SA U18 dominated territory and possession, with their powerful set-piece forcing Ireland to work tirelessly on defence. A few unforced errors cost them additional opportunities, but they still crossed for three tries before the break.

Ireland, who beat the SA U18 A side 36-33 last Friday, improved after the restart, but the hosts showed composure to add four more tries and back up their 43-21 opening-round win over France.

Under sustained pressure early on, Ireland conceded a string of penalties before lock Jayden Joubert powered over in the 15th minute.

Hooker Clinton Agu then broke from a maul to score and scrumhalf Jayden Brits added a third from a quick tap. Ruben Groenewald’s conversion made it 17-0 at half time.

The South Africans struck again straight after the restart when winger Lamla Mgedezi dotted down in the corner, with Groenewald converting.

A penalty try for a collapsed scrum stretched the lead to 31-0 before Ireland captain Harry Goslin crashed over for their only score.

Replacement wing Jadrian Afrikaner then finished out wide to restore momentum, before centre Ethan Adams powered over late on. Liyema Nela added the conversion to seal a convincing win.

Earlier in the day, the SA U18 A team scored score nine tries in a 57-19 victory over Georgia U18.

SA U18 45 (17) – Tries: Jayden Joubert, Clinton Agu, Jayden Brits, Lamla Mgedezi, Jadrian Afrikaner, Ethan Adams, penalty try. Conversions: Ruben Groenewald (2), Liyema Nela (2).
IRELAND U18 5 (0) – Try: Harry Goslin.

SA U18 A 57 (31) – Tries: Thomas Muller, Migael Turner, Ncutu Kepe, Junade Pasensie (2), Quintin Potgieter (2), Erin Nelson, Nathan Aneke. Conversions: Jeandre Uithaler (6).
GEORGIA U18 19 (5) – Tries: Pitskhelauri Gocha, Balanchivadze Nikoloz, Gabriel Razmadze. Conversions: Butshrikidze Levani (2).

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images

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