England Under 18 were outdone by northern hemisphere rivals France in George, South Africa, losing 20-13 at Outeniqua Park Stadium in a bruising encounter, but Head John Fletcher was satisfied that his side “gave their all”.
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The loss is England’s first in ten matches, a run that started almost a year ago against Australian Academy Under 19 in Sydney.
Fletcher’s side had taken a fourth minute lead through Newcastle Falcons speedster Zach Kibirige, converted by Northampton Saints fly half Sam Olver. But France hit back just five minutes later, scoring a penalty and a well taken pick-and-go try which was also converted.
Two Olver penalties and one more from France made the score 13-13 before the men in blue scored the decisive try in the second half.
Fletcher said: “Our work ethic was very good today but at times the backs lacked consistency and made some unforced errors. Our forwards were excellent all game though and we really came into it in the last 20 minutes, the lads gave their all, it just wasn’t to be.
“The French defended well – they’re a well organised side and to be fair they probably just edged the game, but it was very close.”
Forwards Coach Pete Walton added: “The forwards put a real shift in today. France are a big strong, physical team but we scrummaged very well. That was a full strength French side but we matched them, Biyi Alo in particular was outstanding, but all of the front row played their part.”
England points: Zach Kibirige 1T; Sam Olver 1C, 2P.
England now prepare to face South Africa on Cape Town on Saturday.
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The SA Schools rugby team won their second match of the Under-18 International Series by 24-16 against a lively Welsh team at Outeniqua Park in George on Tuesday evening after leading 15-0 at halftime.
The winning margin should have been much bigger but the home side’s kickers had an off day, with several easy kicks missing the target.
The final round of fixtures will be played on Saturday at the UWC Sports Stadium in Bellville, one of the venues of the recently held 2012 IRB Junior World Championship.
The SA Schools will play England and France will face Wales.
Handre Pollard, the Junior Springbok flyhalf, was introduced into play five minutes before the break in place of Affies pivot Ryno Eksteen, who had an unfortunate off-day with the boot. Pollard made an immediate impact and two of his breaks lead to two tries within the space of three minutes.
Sergeal Petersen (no 14) scored the opener and his second in successive matches and he was quickly followed by Matjikinyane Molapo (no 11) as well as powerful midfielder Rohan Janse van Rensburg (no 12), as the SA Schools team finally kicked into gear after struggling against the resolute Welsh defence.
Wales played much better in the second half and forced the SA Schools team into several errors.
Flyhalf, Jack Maynard, kept his side in the match with accurate kicking. He succeeded with three penalties and also converted inside centre Ben Robert’s late try.
Pollard also landed three penalties to secure a deserved victory for the SA Schools.
The SA Schools’ backline was outstanding when in possession and Petersen and Janse van Rensburg were dangerous throughout.
Wales made good impressions early on and their tactic, of stretching the SA Schools defence with some clever passing, provided the home team with several problems and a few tries were saved by some desperate defence.
However, Pollard’s introduction and a strong scrum gave the SA Schools a good platform for their win and they now head into the final match against England on Saturday with a fair amount of confidence.
The scorers:
SA Schools: Tries: Sergeal Petersen (right wing), Matjikinyane Malopo (left wing), Rohan Janse van Rensburg (inside centre); Penalties: Handre Pollard (replacement flyhalf, 3).
Wales Under-18: Try: Ben Robertson (inside centre); Conversion, Jack Maynard (flyhalf); Penalties: Maynard (3).