Junior Boks’ hard-fought Santa Fe win
SANTA FE: The junior Springboks were made to fight hard to overcome a courageous Argentina Under-20 rugby team by 25-22 in the first of two matches between the sides late on Tuesday in Santa Fe, Argentina.
Los Pumitas led 15-10 at halftime after they dominated possession and territory while playing with a strong wind in their favour in the first half.
They scored two tries and a penalty to take a deserved lead, while the junior Boks answered with a converted try and a penalty to stay within distance, despite their many unforced errors.
The young South Africans used their dominance in the scrums and set-pieces to much better effect in the second half, adding a penalty and an excellent try to edge out the hosts in front of a passionate crowd.
Los Pumitas took an early 5-0 lead after prop Christian Bartolini barged his way over in the corner with less than three minutes on the clock.
SA Under-20 flyhalf Ernst Stapelberg slotted a penalty seven minutes later to make the score 5-3, but it was the home team who crossed the line again after flanker Jose Deheza finished a sweeping move (12-3).
Fullback Emiliano Bofelli then hit the target with his first penalty kick after the visitors were penalised for a repeated offence, which also saw left wing Leolin Zas yellow-carded.
With the breeze in their favour, the junior Boks made a better start in the second half.
Grant Hermanus took the final pass to dot down after an impressive passage of forward play.
That try levelled the scores at 15-all and South Africa took the lead for the first time several minutes later via the boot of Stapelberg who succeeded with a penalty (18-15). But just minutes later, the home team regained the lead when Bofelli ran in to score for a try, which he converted (22-18).
With Los Pumitas defending courageously, the junior Springboks were made to fight extremely hard for their winning try. It eventually came via a strong run down the middle from impressive number eight Dan du Preez.
When Stapelberg added the conversion it secured a hardfought 25-22 victory.
Afterwards, Dawie Theron, the junior Springbok coach, was a relieved man. “We had a long journey coming here, had only one full training session and a bus trip of more than two hours to the stadium today.
“I told the players this match would be a huge test of character for them and Argentina did exactly what we expected, making it extremely difficult for us to play our normal game. They were strong upfront and tackled as if their lives depended on it,” explained Theron.
He admitted that his harsh words during half-time had the desired effect on his players in the second half. “We were much more composed and calm. That allowed us to eventually fight our way back successfully.
“I’m pleased with the effort and the character of the guys, but we now also know the areas we must work on for the next match,” said Theron.
The two teams meet again next Saturday in Rosario. – ANA