The Junior Springboks went down to Italy on Thursday. Photo: SA Rugby website
Junior Springboks stunned by Italy in shock defeat
The Junior Springboks suffered a shock defeat to Italy in Paarl as their U20 World Championship campaign suffered a major blow at home.
The Junior Springboks went down to Italy on Thursday. Photo: SA Rugby website
In atrocious wet weather conditions in Paarl, the Junior Springboks were ultimately outmuscled and outplayed by a far superior Italy U20 side that were fully deserving of the shock 34-26 victory.
Junior Springboks head coach, Bafana Nhleko, had named five uncapped players in his starting team to face Italy in their second Pool C match of the 2023 World Rugby U20 Championship, and ultimately the home side produced a disjointed and ill-disciplined effort.
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At one point in the first half Italy led 17-0, and although South Africa did fight back, they ultimately could never get any real control on proceedings.
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The Junior Springboks have endured a challenging start to the tournament
After starting the U20 World Championship campaign with a narrow win over Georgia, the Junior Springboks were expected to claim a comfortable win against Italy.
However, it was not to be, with a high penalty count and inordinate error rate coming back to haunt them.
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Points scorers
South Africa 26
Tries: Katlego Letebele, Jurenzo Julius, Damian Markus, Juanne Else.
Conversions: Imad Khan (3).
Italy 34
Tries: Penalty try, Nicholas Gasperini, Marcos Gallorini (2).
Conversions: Simone Brisighella (3).
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