Baby Boks continue winning momentum at IRB Junior World Champs
Baby Boks continue winning momentum at World Champs
The SA Under-20s secured their second victory at the 2011 IRB Junior World Championships on Tuesday after recording a 42-26 win over Ireland in Treviso.
The Baby Boks notched up their second bonus win of the tournament after running in five tries to the two scored by their opponents. The South Africans achieved a 33-0 win over Scotland during their opening match played in Padova on Friday.
Centre and vice captain Francois Venter scored a brace of tries while, lock Eben Etzebeth, winger Wandile Mjekevu and captain Arno Botha were the other try-scorers for the Baby Boks. Flyhalf Johan Goosen kicked three conversions, two penalties and slotted a 40-meter drop goal to end the match with a personal points’ haul of 15.
Winger Andrew Conway scored a brace of tries which was converted by Ireland flyhalf James McKinney. The Ireland No.10 also kicked four penalties. Ireland looked to play an expansive game of rugby, however the resolute defensive effort from the Baby Boks ensured that the Irish only score two tries.
“It’s two out of two for us which was our primary objective for this game, and we managed to achieve the bonus points for scoring five tries,” said SA Under-20 coach Dawie Theron.
“But to be very honest, we spilled quite a number of try-scoring opportunities. We were not patient enough in the strike zone, and were guilty of forcing quite a number of passed when the correct option was simply to have patience. There are few things we’ll have to work on as we look forward to our next challenge against England on Saturday, but I do believe there are more positives than negatives that were highlighted during this match.”
“We have to attempt to round off our point scoring opportunities, and against teams such as England, it could ultimately prove to be the difference between winning and losing. But I believe the guys are on track. There were nine changes made to our starting lineup, so ultimately I am pleased that 25 players in our squad has enjoyed a bit of game time.”
Scorers: South Africa – Tries: Francois Venter (2), Arno Botha, Eben Etzebeth, Wandile Mjekevu; Conversions: Johan Goosen (3); Penalties: Goosen (2); Drop goal: Goosen. Ireland – Tries: Andrew Conway; Conversions: James McKinney (2); Penalties: McKinney (2).
Related Posts
« SA Kings’ team announced to play Romania National Club Rugby Round-up – Progress gear up for maiden Club Champs »
