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Mngomezulu stars for Junior Boks

PUBLISHED: July 5, 2022


DHL Western Province flyhalf and Junior Springbok captain Sacha Mngomezulu played a starring role for the national U20 side as they handed France a 42-27 defeat in Verona to finish top in Pool A and stay unbeaten at the U20 Six Nations Summer Series.

Mngomezulu had an outstanding game with his ball distribution and kicking boot. He delivered a flawless kicking display by succeeding with four conversions and three penalty goals for a personal contribution of 17 points.

There were also tries for DHL Western Province players Suleiman Hartzenberg, Imad Khan and Lukhanyo Vokozela in the resounding win.

The scorching heat did not prevent the two sides to turn on the style in the second half, during which time the South Africans increased their dominance by adding three more tries to cap a richly deserved victory over a very good Under 20 French side.

As a result of their well-deserving triumph, the Junior Boks top Pool A win 15 points from three bonus point wins.

That means that Bafana Nhleko’s unbeaten team now awaits the outcome of the Pool B decider between hosts Italy and Wales to see who they will play in next week’s playoff spot for the overall Summer Series winner.

The only blemish in a very good South African display was the yellow card for front-ranker Juann Else, while influential No 8 Cameron Hanekom had to leave the field early because of an injury, with Louw Nel taking over his duties at the back of the scrum.

The French played some enterprising rugby , but they were made to work hard to keep the South Africans at bay, who used their set piece and kicking game to good effect.

Coach Nhleko afterwards he was especially pleased with his side’s second half display.

“I felt we made it hard for ourselves in the first half because we didn’t take our opportunities and didn’t manage the game on our terms – that took energy away from us,” said the Junior Bok’s coach.

“Once we stuck to our processes I though the boys did well, and there were character and composure in the second half,” he said.