South Africa storm home once again

A DOMINANT second half from South Africa saw them score 26 unanswered points to claim a second successive bronze medal.

After trailing 25-14 at half-time, South Africa got a grip of the third place playoff after the break and New Zealand’s only reply came in the 80th minute of the match.

Both teams started with purpose and two of the four first-half tries arrived in the opening five minutes. Winger Tyrone Green sped clear for the Junior Boks but New Zealand instantly replied through No.9 Jay Renton. Centre Harry Plummer added the conversion and a penalty to put New Zealand 10-7 ahead.

A charge-down resulted in New Zealand’s second try, to Plummer. His 49m penalty extended the lead before lock Waimana Riedlinger-Kapa produced a superb solo score to extend the New Zealand lead to 25-14 at half-time.

South Africa flew out of the blocks in the second half, finishing much stromnger than they had begun once again.

Green, above, touched down out wide and Lombard’s excellent conversion cut the lead to four points.

Further tries from Ruan Nortje, Wandisile Simelane and Asenathi Ntlabakanye with six minutes to go took their tally of unanswered second-half points to 26.

New Zealand winger Caleb Clarke had the final say after using his excellent footwork to profit from his fly-half’s cross-field kick, but it was too little, too late and South Africa came out on top, just as they had done five years ago when the sides met in a third place play-off.