The South Africa Junior Springboks are set to compete for the seventh place in the World Rugby U20 Championship after succumbing to a 34-24 defeat against Argentina in their fifth-place semi-final on a sunny yet cool afternoon in Cape Town.
Despite showing significant improvement from their pool clash against Argentina ten days ago, the Junior Boks were once again plagued by missed opportunities, critical errors, and poor decision-making during crucial moments of the match.
Discipline issues hampered the South African U20s, who displayed more creativity in attack, aided by the drier conditions. However, their efforts were offset by a faltering lineout. Although they enjoyed more possession and territorial advantage, the Junior Boks managed only one try in the first half and struggled to penetrate the solid Argentine defence.
Argentina capitalized on their opportunities, scoring three tries before the break. The first try, by Juan Greising Revol, came from a Junior Bok lineout mistake. The second, by Efrain Elias, resulted from some lackluster defence, and the third, by Gregorio Perez Pardo, stemmed from effective counter-attacking play.
The score was level at 3-3 after 20 minutes, with penalty goals traded by Santino Di Lucca and Tylor Sefoor. However, Argentina pulled ahead 17-3 with two quick tries within seven minutes. The Junior Boks responded with a spectacular try from Jurenzo Julius, who displayed impressive footwork and speed after a turnover on the Argentine 22. Nonetheless, Argentina restored their 14-point lead ten minutes later, exploiting the Junior Boks’ defensive lapses out wide.
The South Africans emerged with renewed vigor in the second half, scoring their second try five minutes after the break through Sibabalwe Mahashe, following two strong lineout drives. At 24-17, the Junior Boks seemed poised for a comeback, but once again, they failed to capitalize on their scoring opportunities.
The momentum shifted back to Argentina when they introduced their reserves. Timoteo Silva’s try, with just over ten minutes remaining, all but sealed the result. Controversially, the referee ruled a potential Junior Bok try as held up without consulting the TMO. Additionally, replays suggested Silva’s foot might have touched the line before grounding the ball, but the evidence was inconclusive, and the try stood.
The Junior Boks’ frustration continued when Asad Moos opted to chip over the last defender instead of passing to a supporting player, squandering a clear scoring chance. Argentina’s Benjamin Elizalde then extended their lead to 34-17 with a penalty goal. Despite Julius scoring his second try, it was too late for the Junior Boks, who will face either Wales or Argentina in their final match on Friday.
The Junior Springboks will need to regroup and address their issues if they hope to end their campaign on a high note in their upcoming clash.
