U19 International Series – SA Schools 13 – 12 England 20 Aug 2016

SA Schools coach Lance Sendin on Saturday lauded his team’s character as a last-gasp try secured them a 13-12 victory against England in the final round of the U19 International Series at Paarl Boys’ High to secure a whitewash in the tournament.

“The guys hung in there against England and showed guts and good character,” said Sendin. “The players became men today because this was a hard-fought Test match. The victory was also just reward for all their hard work, and I am very proud that they finished the tournament unbeaten.”

The SA Schools team struck first in their clash against England with fullback Gianni Lombard slotting over a penalty goal in the 17th minute, after missing an earlier attempt. This lead, however, was short-lived as England scored a try from a pick-and-go compliments of No 8 Tom Willis. Both teams were dealt a blow soon after as they were reduced to 14 men, while England found themselves playing with 13 men for three minutes in the closing stages of the half as they received a second yellow card. The hosts, in particular, showed courage on attack as they ran hard at England, but mistakes at crucial times combined with the visitors’ tenacious defence left them trailing 5-3 at the break.

The second half was equally intense, but England used their powerful forwards well to force their way onto the front foot, and it paid off as Willis scored his second try to hand them a 12-3 lead. Lombard slotted over his second penalty goal in the 54th minute to reduce the deficit to 12-6, which put them within range of winning the match with a converted try. And they did just that as captain Salmaan Moerat crashed over on the stroke of fulltime. The successful conversion by Lombard sealed the 13-12 win.