South Africa’s Under-19 Academy Team Triumphs Over Ireland in Cork
In a thrilling match at Musgrave Park, Cork, the South African Under-19 Academy side showcased their prowess, defeating Ireland U20 by a score of 32-22. This victory marked a positive conclusion to their short European tour, following a setback against France in the previous week.
The South African forwards set the tone early on, displaying exceptional physicality and dominating the aerial battle. Captain Riley Norton, playing as a flanker, led the pack with authority, while flyhalf Vusi Moyo orchestrated the game with precision, utilizing the wind to his advantage.
The match was characterized by challenging conditions, with sweeping rain and a wet, windy atmosphere on the artificial pitch. South Africa’s determination paid off, as they scored the only try of the first half through Siphosethu Mnebelele, a hooker, following a strong lineout maul. Moyo successfully converted the try, extending their lead to 10-3 at halftime.
The Irish team struggled with the physicality of the South Africans, losing Arthur Ashmore, a flanker, to a shoulder injury within the first 10 minutes. The situation worsened for Ireland when Tom Wood, their flyhalf, had to leave the field after a high-ball collision a few minutes before halftime.
At halftime, Mahle Sithole replaced Mnebelele, and Ireland responded with a try from center James O’Leary, leveling the scores at 10-10. However, South Africa quickly regained the lead, with Sithole scoring from a lineout maul, making it 15-10 with 30 minutes remaining.
The South African forwards continued their dominant performance, earning a penalty try when Ireland illegally stopped their maul. This extended their lead to 22-10, with the home side also losing a player to a yellow card. Ireland reduced the deficit immediately with a try from Dylan McNeice, making it 22-15.
The match reached its climax as Ireland’s outside center, Sean Walsh, scored a try by charging down a clearance, reducing the lead to 29-22. The South African forwards, however, showed their resilience, earning another penalty when the Irish defense went offside. Vusi Moyo successfully converted three more points, securing the final score of 32-22.
Scorers:
Ireland U20: 22 (3) – Tries: James O’Leary, Dylan McNeice, Sean Walsh. Conversions: Conor O’Shauhnessy (2). Penalty goal: Tom Wood.
SA U19: 32 (10) – Tries: Siphosethu Mnebelele, Mahle Sithole, Penalty Try, Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka. Conversions: Vusi Moyo (2). Penalty goals: Moyo (2).