South Africa U-20 19 Ireland U-20 23:Ireland blew their Junior World Championship group wide open with a stunning win over the host nation at the Danie Craven Stadium. Outscoring the hosts by two tries to one, this was no smash and grab raid, rather a win earned the hard way.
South Africa, who counted a number of Super 15 veterans in their ranks, may have suffered from a touch of stage fright in front of their own fans but Ireland were thoroughly deserving of the points. Both Irish scores, from Jordon Coghlan and Iain Henderson, came after blocked down kicks but Ireland’s all-round play was superb.
The Baby Boks, supposedly superior physically, were matched up front and Ireland offered plenty of threat behind the scrum. Outhalf JJ Hanrahan recovered from kicking two balls out on the full in the early stages, to marshall his troops superbly while Conor Gilsenan was immense in keeping the vaunted South African back row in check.
But this was a team effort in the truest sense in both defence and attack with all XV, replacements and coaching staff celebrating wildly at the final whistle.
“We worked very hard and believed in it,” Irish skipper Niall Scannell said after the match. “The South Africans put a lot of pressure on us, it was a very physical game. Our focus was on the tackle and to aim at those knees and ankles. Brilliant commitment by the team.”
Ireland, who are now second behind England in Pool B, face the Six Nations champions on Friday before taking on Italy next Tuesday. England hammered the Italians 64-5 earlier today.
