The Junior Springboks were made to fight hard to overcome a courageous Argentina Under 20 rugby team by 25 / 22 in the 1st of 2 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 1st half. They scored 2 tries and a penalty to take a deserved lead, while the Junior Springboks 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 2nd 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 3 minutes on the clock. SA Under 20 flyhalf Ernst Stapelberg slotted a penalty 7 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 1st 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 Springboks made a better start in the 2nd half. Hermanus took the final pass to dot down after an impressive passage of forward play.
That try levelled the scores at 15 – 15 and South Africa took the lead for the 1st time several minutes later via the boot of Stapelberg who succeeded with a penalty (18 / 15).
However, just minutes later the home team regained the lead when Bofelli ran in to score a try which he also converted (22 / 18).
With the clock marching on and 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 No 8 Dan du Preez.
When Stapelberg added the conversion it secured a hard-fought 25 / 22 victory.
Dawie Theron, the Junior Springbok coach was a relieved man afterwards.
“We had a long journey coming here, had only 1 full training session and a bus trip of more than 2 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.
Theron admitted his harsh words during halftime had the desired effect on his players in the 2nd half.
“We were much more composed and calm and 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 where we must work on for the next match,” added Theron.
The 2 teams meet again next Saturday in Rosario.
Scorers:
Los Pumitas Under 20:
- Tries: Lautaro Bazán Vélez (1), Ernesto Olmedo (1), Emiliano Boffelli (1)
- Conversions: Domingo Miotti (2)
- Penalties: Domingo Miotti (1)
Junior Springboks Under 20:
- Tries: Malcolm Jaer (1), Grant Hermanus (1), Dan du Preez (1)
- Conversions: Ernst Stapelberg (2)
- Penalties: Ernst Stapelberg (2)
Teams:
Los Pumitas Under 20: 15 Emiliano Boffelli, 14 Santiago Resino, 13 Tomás Granella, 12 Bautista Ezcurra (Captain), 11 Eugenio Achilli, 10 Domingo Miotti, 9 Lautaro Bazán Vélez, 8 Ernesto Olmedo, 7 Lucas Gasparri, 6 José Deheza, 5 Ignacio Larrague, 4 Vittorio Rosti, 3 Cristian Bartoloni, 2 Ignacio Calles, 1 Javier Díaz
Replacements: 16 Gaspar Baldunciel, 17 Eduardo Bello, 18 Nicolás Ocello, 19 Benito Paolucci, 20 Patricio Baronio, 21 Ignacio Albornoz, 22 Matías Ferro, 23 Julián Domínguez.
Junior Springboks Under 20: 15 Malcolm Jaer, 14 Grant Hermanus, 13 JT Jackson, 12 Daniel du Plessis, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Ernst Stapelberg, 9 Marco Janse van Vuuren, 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Jacques Vermeulen, 6 Rikus Bothma (Captain), 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Abongile Nonkontwana, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Ox Nche
Replacements: 16 Mzamo Majola, 17 Jan van der Merwe, 18 Frans van Wyk, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 CJ Velleman, 21 Ivan van Zyl, 22 Brandon Thomson, 23 Warrick Gelant.
Referee: Juan Sylvestre (Argentina)