New Zealand U20 Triumphs Over South Africa in Thrilling 15-Try Encounter

New Zealand U20 staged a stunning comeback against South Africa, winning 48-45 after being down 19-0 early in the match. The game featured a total of 13 tries, with New Zealand displaying resilience and strategy under pressure, even finishing with only 13 players. The victory sets them up well for the upcoming World Rugby Under 20 Championship.

In a nail-biting encounter, New Zealand Under 20 team staged a remarkable comeback against their South African counterparts, clinching a thrilling 48-45 victory. The Kiwis found themselves trailing 19-0 just 12 minutes into the match but rallied back impressively, even playing with only 13 players toward the end of the game. This was a classic test of resilience and skill.

South Africa started the match explosively. Their early dominance was evidenced by a staggering tackle count of 37-7 within those first moments. They capitalized on New Zealand’s initial errors, launching a strong maul after a mistake inside the 22. Albie Bester, resembling the physicality of Springbok star Damian de Allende, scored the opening try after eleven relentless phases of play.

The South African team continued their aggressive tactics, displaying a fast-paced, direct attack. They scored again through Simphiwe Ngobese, and Siphosethu Mnebelele followed suit with a powerful drive from a lineout, stretching the lead to 19-0. However, New Zealand finally found relief as South Africa conceded multiple penalties. A smart lineout move saw halfback Charlie Sinton pass to winger Harlyn Saunoa, who began New Zealand’s scoring.

When South Africa made mistakes, such as a knock-on by Bester, it opened doors for New Zealand. The Kiwis took advantage of further breakdown infractions, resulting in a second try for Saunoa courtesy of Maloni Kunawave’s play. South African halfback Haashim Pead kept the pressure on New Zealand with quick taps, but a try from Gino Cupido highlighted South Africa’s power play.

With the score at 26-12 in favor of the Springboks, New Zealand sought a pivotal moment. Centre Cooper Roberts launched a break from halfway, and following a South African infringement, captain Manumaua Letiu muscled across the line. The accuracy of New Zealand’s lineout improved dramatically since their match against Australia, turning the tide as halftime approached.

Before the break, an intercept by Kunawave thwarted South Africa’s intent, leading to Saunoa’s hat-trick. With Will Cole adding the conversion from a tricky angle, New Zealand ended the first half trailing by just two points, 26-24. In the second half, Rico Simpson’s clever grubber kick eventually set the stage for the Kiwis to take the lead.

The momentum shifted as Cole made a stunning 45-meter break early in the half, leading to a try from loosehead Sika Pole. However, a subsequent interception saw South Africa’s Wandile Mlaba score under the posts, putting them back in front 38-33. As the teams exchanged tries, New Zealand scored their seventh through an impressive effort from replacement prop Dane Johnston.

Despite South Africa reasserting themselves, the 62nd minute brought misfortune as New Zealand’s Caleb Woodley received a red card for a high tackle. With New Zealand down to 13 players, a penalty try was awarded to South Africa when Randall Baker was penalized for infringement. The match became tense as South Africa advanced into New Zealand’s territory in the final minutes, but the Kiwis managed to hold on by focusing on possession, even through some nervous moments at the end.

This match sets New Zealand on a good path as they prepare for next month’s World Rugby Under 20 Championship in Italy, where they will face the home team on June 25. In a parallel competition, Australia secured their win over Argentina, also finishing with two victories, though they will miss the title due to bonus point discrepancies.

In the statistics, New Zealand achieved 48 points, with Saunoa leading with three tries. South Africa finished with 45 points, showcasing significant efforts from players like Mlaba and Bester, among others. The halftime score was a razor-thin 24-26, adding to the match’s intensity.

New Zealand Under 20: 48 (Harlyn Saunoa 3, Manumaua Letiu, Maloni Kunawave 2, Sika Pole, Stanley Solomon tries; Will Cole 4 conversions)
South Africa Under 20: 45 (Albie Bester, Simphiwe Ngobese, Siphosethu Mnebelele, Gino Cupido, Wandile Mlaba 2 tries; Vusi Moyo 4 conversions)

The New Zealand Under 20 team showcased remarkable resilience and skill in their come-from-behind 48-45 victory over South Africa. Falling behind 19-0 early on, they rallied with determination, even finishing the match with 13 players. As the teams gear up for the World Rugby Under 20 Championship next month, New Zealand’s performance sent a promising signal of their potential.

Original Source: www.allblacks.com