Junior Springboks down England to bag bronze medal

The Junior Springboks edged England 22-15 to finish third overall at the U20 Championship at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Friday night.

It is the fourth time in succession that the South African U20 team has claimed bronze at the tournament and ninth overall. Considering the Junior Springboks’ overall showing throughout the tournament, this third-place finish is great end to the hosts’ campaign.

LIVE RECAP | Junior Boks v England – Friday, 14 July 2023

MATCH SUMMARY

All the points were scored in the first half, before the young South Africans called upon all their defensive might in the second half to keep the Englishmen at bay in the battle for the bronze medal.

England were on the scoreboard first when Connor Levin knocked over a penalty, but the Junior Springboks landed a double blow when Henie Sieberhagen and Corne Beets powered over for two tries.

The first half action didn’t stop there though, as England hit back with two tries of their own, but the difference was that their touchdowns were sandwiched either of a Juann Else five-point for South Africa, making it 22-15 at the break.

The second half was no less action-packed, but at the ultimately the Junior Springboks’ defensive brawn outdid England’s attacking prowess.

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POINT-SCORERS BETWEEN JUNIOR SPRINGBOKS AND ENGLAND:

Junior Boks — Tries: Hennie Sieberhagen, Corne Beets, Juann Else. Conversions: Jean Smith (2). Penalty goal: Smith.
England U20 — Tries: Craig Wright, Zach Carr. Conversion: Connor Slevin. Penalty goal: Connor Slevin.