Galant’s try denies England
KEANE Galant’s late try snatched victory for South Africa but England coach Jim Mallinder praised his young squad for the leaps they have made from day one of training to the finale of the international series.
England were undone by second-half scores by Henco van Wyk and Gideon van Wyk, before full-back Galant dived over in the corner to sink England.
In the dying stages England fought back to occupy South African territory but were unable to breach the defence.
Mallinder said: “We’re disappointed to lose but I’m very proud of the performance today and how far this team have come in such a short space of time.
“We knew South Africa were older than us and physically bigger and have been together for a longer period so we knew it would be a tough test.
“However, we came here with the intention of playing expansive rugby and moving them around the field and we certainly did that.
Mallinder added: “We’ve made huge improvements over the three games – our set piece in particular.
“Our defence was strong and in attack we looked the better side and played like a real cohesive unit and the coaches and support staff deserve huge credit in how they’ve helped develop this team.”
Neither side held more than a six-point advantage at any point in the match but SA Schools started the better.
From the back of a rolling maul captain Andre-Hugo Venter bundled over for the opening try and their lead was soon doubled through prop JanHendrik Wessels. Neither score was converted by flyhalf Jurie Claasens.
England launched a response with a try from Emeka Ilione and South Africa then lost wing Tharquinn Manuel to the sin bin for a late tackle.
From the resulting lineout England were awarded a penalty try for a collapsed maul which led to a further card for South Africa’s Simon Miller.
A superb team try for England looked to sap the energy from South Africa even more.
Hooker John Stewart and No.8 Kit Smith carried the ball flat before offloading to Orlando Bailey who looped around the defender and scored in the corner to send England in 19-13 ahead at half-time, with the teams playing 35 minute halves.
Things initially got even better for England thereafter as wing Matthew Ward scored from a move which saw Bailey swing a long pass out to Oliver Melville who slipped Ward through, but South Africa fought back with the van Wyks touching down before Galant sealed glory for the Junior Boks.