Darren Hendricks scored 16 points as SA Schools thrashed England 41-22 in Cape Town on Saturday. MARIETTE ADAMS reports.
Despite a narrow defeat against France in the previous round, the win against Wales last Friday coupled with this result ensure that this season’s U18 International Series does not mirror SA Schools’ horror 2017 campaign when they were whitewashed.
SA Schools and England initially matched each other blow-for-blow before the hosts seized control of proceedings in the final 15 minutes to secure a commanding triumph. England’s two-try hero Tom Roebuck had an excellent game, but it was South Africa’s Hendricks who had the biggest influence on the result.
For large parts of this game, SA Schools appeared to be in the backseat with England dictating play. But South Africa did well to contain England and stay within touching distance on the scoreboard. They grew in confidence as the game progressed and eventually pulled away to sink England, who finish the series winless.
England started strongly when Roebuck latched on to a kick-pass and stepped around two cover defenders for the first try. SA Schools responded through openside flank Tristan Dullisear, but England would add a penalty for a 10-5 lead.
When South Africa were awarded an attacking scrum, Evan Roos broke away from the back and drew two English defenders before freeing up Sibabalwe Xamlashe down the short side for a converted try that gave the hosts a two-point advantage. They relinquished that lead when England scored again just before half-time for a 17-12 advantage.
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Then in the final quarter, England faltered and SA Schools pounced. Hendricks, hooker Jaques Goosen and Muzi Manyike all grabbed late tries to end the series on a positive note.
SA Schools – Tries: Tristan Dullisear, Sibabalwe Xamlashe, Juan Mostert, Darren Hendricks, Jaques Goosen, Muzi Manyike. Conversions: Darren Hendricks (4). Penalty: Hendricks.
England – Tries: Tom Roebuck (2), George Barton. Conversions: Barton (2). Penalty: Barton.
SA Schools – 15 Darren Hendricks, 14 Sibabalwe Xamlashe, 13 Muzi Manyike, 12 Brendan Venter, 11 Stravino Jacobs, 10 Juan Mostert, 9 Thomas Bursey, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Celimpilo Gumede, 6 Tristan Dullisear, 5 Adrian Alberts (c), 4 Lunga Ncube, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 JJ Kotze, 1 Thabiso Mdletshe.
Subs: (Forwards) Jacques Goosen, Dewald Donald, Herman Agenbag, Sibusiso Sangweni, Uzile Tele, Emile van Heerden, Keketso Morabe, Jarrod Taylor, De Wet Marais. (Backs): Jurich Claasens, Mnombo Zwelindaba, Rynhardt Jonker, Lwandile Menze, Wyclef Vlitoor.
England – 15 Louis Lynagh, 14 Jack Bates, 13 Lennox Anyanwu, 12 Josh Hallett, 11 Tom Roebuck, 10 George Barton, 9 Raffi Quirke, 8 Jack Clement, 7 Finn Rossiter, 6 Harry Dugmore, 5 George Martin, 4 George Hammond, 3 Harvey Beaton, 2 Alfie Barbeary, 1 James Whitcombe.
Subs: 16 Sam Riley, 17 Rowan Mullis, 18 Jack Hughes, 19 Chunya Munga, 20 Archie Smeaton, 21 Tom Curtis, 23 Phil Cokanasiga, 24 Josh Gillespie, 25 Will Haydon-Wood.
Photo: Bertram Malgas/Gallo Images
