Despite falling to defeat the match provided ideal preparation ahead of the championship in France at the end of May. Geraint Lewis’ side will kick off their Junior World Championship campaign with a tough clash against Australia before facing Japan and New Zealand.
Tries from Muller Uys, Wandisile Simelane, a brace from David Coetzer, Daniel Joste and Tyron Green. Wales scored one try of their own courtesy of powerful No 8 Ben Fry.
South Africa proved they will be a force to be reckoned with in France with their set piece putting their hosts under pressure. With Wales pinged back in their own 22 following a powerful driving lineout, a series of pick and go’s by the Junior Springboks as No 8 Uys smash his way over from short range.
Wales responded in type by keeping it tight and came close to crossing the whitewash before tight-head prop Chris Coleman spilled the ball forward near the line. The hosts threatened when scrum half Dane Blacker took quickly tapped penalty running 40 metres before offloading to Dylan Moss.
The right-wing galloped toward the try line but was tackled into touch by Gianni Lombard. Blacker made another electrifying break from his own half to put Rio Dyer clear but an ankle tap from Lombard was enough to deny the Dragons speedster.
It was beginning to turn into a game of missed opportunities for Wales when Moss had a try disallowed for off side. Wales would live to rue their missed opportunities when Tiaan Thomas-Wheeler was sent to the sin bin for an offence at the breakdown.
The ball was spun wide from the ensuing penalty for Simelane to cross at the far-left hand corner meaning Wales trailed 10-0 at half-time. Despite their first half struggles Wales made the perfect start to the first half when powerful No 8 Ben Fry showed his strength to cross at the far right-hand corner.
But South Africa hit back immediately with a stunning individual try from replacement outside half Coetzer. With Wales’ defence on the back foot the diminutive Coetzer danced his way past three defenders before showing great pace to finish.
South Africa extended their lead when replacement kicker Jack Hart landed a penalty from 55 metres out.
Replacement hooker Jooste smashed his way over the try line a few minutes later to extend South Africa’s lead.
The Boks scored a further two tries when right-wing Green scored at the corner after a well worked overlap and Coetzer who ran in from turnover ball.
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