First-half blitz secures Junior Boks win over Ireland

The Junior Springboks made it two out of two in the Six Nations Summer Series on Wednesday evening as they beat a spirited Ireland 33-22 in Verona, Italy.

A strong first-half display laid the foundation for the win as South Africa ran in four tries through Tiaan Lange (2), Reinhardt Ludwig and Corne Rahl, with flyhalf and skipper Sacha Mngomezulu adding three conversions.

Ireland could only reply through a penalty from flyhalf Sam Prendergast as the teams went into half-time with the score at 26-3.

An early second-half converted try from Lukhanyo Vokozela pushed the score out to 33-3, but Ireland fought back with two tries of their own as Dyland O'Grady and Oisin Michel crossed the whitewash with Prendergast converting both efforts.

At 33-17 and with 20 minutes to go, Ireland were back in the contest.

Despite having South Africa under pressure at times, their third and final score only came in the 80th minute as Reuben Crothers crossed for an unconverted try.

Bafana Nhleko's charges will now play France on 5 July.

Earlier on Wednesday, they went down to England 29-20 leaving South Africa unbeaten in their group.

Scorers

South Africa

Tries: Tiaan Lange (2), Reinhardt Ludwig, Corne Rahl, Lukhanyo Vokozela

Conversions: Sacha Mngomezulu (4)

Ireland

Tries: Dylan O'Grady, Oisin Michel

Conversions: Sam Prendergast (2)

Penalties: Sam Prendergast