Cheswill Jooste leaves defenders in his wake as he scores a stunning solo try in Rovigo. Source: SA Rugby
The SA U20s delivered a statement performance on a scorching day in Rovigo, overturning a 22-19 halftime deficit to claim a commanding win over defending champions England. A brilliant second-half blitz and relentless defence saw them close out the match with a 10-point lead, and one foot firmly in the semi-finals.
England hit the ground running, racing to a 14-0 lead inside 12 minutes, taking full advantage of South Africa’s shaky start. But the water break came at the perfect time. When play resumed, the Junior Boks returned with fire.
Cheswill Jooste was electric down the wing, stepping his way past defenders and scoring a vital first try. His pace and footwork also set up scrumhalf Haashim Pead’s try, who pounced after some sharp recycling near the line.
Although England briefly regained momentum with a soft try after an SA error, South Africa hit back before the break through Gilermo Mentoe, finishing a sublime break from Gino Cupido. A late penalty meant England led 22-19 at halftime, but it wouldn’t last.
The second half was all green and gold. Vusi Moyo’s two long-range penalties swung the lead South Africa’s way, and Pead’s sensational solo try, an electrifying 78m dash, pushed them into double digits ahead.
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