In a thrilling Under-20 rugby clash, New Zealand staged a remarkable comeback, defeating South Africa 48-45 after trailing 19-0 early on. The match featured 15 tries, showcasing intense physicality and skill. Key performances included Harlyn Saunoa’s hat-trick and crucial plays from captain Manumaua Letiu and Maloni Kunawave.
In an exhilarating match, the New Zealand Under-20 rugby team stormed back from a daunting 19-0 deficit to defeat South Africa 48-45 in a thriller marked by a whopping 15 tries. This win showcased the resilience of the Kiwis as they managed to hold on for victory even when down to just 13 players during the final stages.
South Africa came out of the gates with impressive speed, taking a significant lead within the first 12 minutes, with 37 tackles compared to New Zealand’s 7. The Springboks quickly capitalized on New Zealand’s initial mistakes, with Albie Bester scoring first after an elaborate 11-phase build-up.
The South African team maintained their aggression, hitting rucks energetically and driving the attack relentlessly. One notable moment was Simphiwe Ngobese finding the try line following a well-coordinated 10-phase attack, while Siphosethu Mnebelele drove home from a dynamic lineout.
New Zealand finally found respite when South Africa committed a series of penalties. This paved the way for halfback Charlie Sinton to execute a slick move, finding winger Harlyn Saunoa, who darted over for a try. Following this, New Zealand took advantage of another South African error, leading to a brace for Saunoa after Sinton’s pass stretched the defense.
Despite a heartbreaking moment when Haashim Pead of South Africa maneuvered to break through New Zealand’s defense for a try, New Zealand rallied. With the score at 26-12, center Cooper Roberts sparked a comeback, resulting in a try by captain Manumaua Letiu, bringing his team back into the game.
New Zealand’s tactics shifted dramatically as they scored three quick tries, pulling themselves to a 26-24 deficit just before halftime. An intercept by Maloni Kunawave turned the tide, allowing Saunoa to complete his hat-trick as Will Cole slotted the conversion from the sideline.
The second half saw Rico Simpson’s clever grubber kick lead to New Zealand taking the lead for the first time. However, South Africa countered through Wandile Mlaba, who capitalized on New Zealand’s defensive lapses to score another try. The back and forth continued, with both teams trading tries as the intensity ramped up.
A highlight of the match was New Zealand’s seventh try, featuring some dazzling interplay between forwards and backs, culminating in a powerful run by Stanley Solomon. The exchanges were thrilling, with South Africa’s Mlaba answering back to regain the slight edge.
New Zealand faced significant challenges late in the game, including a red card for Caleb Woodley due to head-on-head contact. South Africa, buoyed by the numbers advantage, was able to force a penalty try, narrowing the gap.
As time wound down, New Zealand controlled possession with purposeful play, expertly avoiding costly mistakes. Their calm under pressure was evident as they managed to fend off South Africa’s last-ditch efforts toward the end of the match. With this stunning victory, New Zealand not only solidified their standing but also showcased their talent heading into the World Rugby Under-20 Championship next month in Italy.
In the end, New Zealand scored a total of 48 points from tries by Harlyn Saunoa (3), Manumaua Letiu, Maloni Kunawave (2), Sika Pole, and Stanley Solomon, all while Will Cole added four conversions. The loss for South Africa came despite strong performances from their key players, including two tries each for Wandile Mlaba and Albie Bester, as they racked up 45 points in total. The halftime score was tightly contested at 26-24 in favor of New Zealand. Looking ahead, the attention now shifts towards their opening game against Italy set for June 25.
Overall, New Zealand’s incredible determination and skill under pressure allowed them to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat against South Africa. Overcoming an early deficit and subsequent red card, their ability to adapt and collaborate was key to their success. This thrilling encounter not only sets the stage for the Under-20 championship in Italy but also highlights the vibrant potential within both teams moving forward.
Original Source: www.allblacks.com
