SA Under-18s crush France to lift Narjissi Trophy in Cape Town

SOUTH Africa’s Under-18 side opened their Under-18 International Series in style on Friday with a commanding 43-21 win over France in Cape Town, securing the Medhi Narjissi Trophy.

The trophy was named in remembrance of Medhi Narjissi, a member of France’s Under-18 squad in 2024, who was tragically swept out to sea during a recovery session at Cape Point last year. SA Rugby and the participating teams paid tribute to the French player ahead of the game.

First-half dominance

The home side raced into an early lead when flanker Chinedu Amadi powered over from a maul to make it 7-0. Despite sustained French pressure — including a period with prop Kai Pratt in the sin bin — South Africa’s defence held firm.

When they returned to the French half, No.8 Gert Kemp crashed over to double the lead to 14-0 after 25 minutes. Amadi then added his second try, again from a lineout drive, before flyhalf Liyema Nela kicked a penalty for 24-0.

With four minutes left in the half, captain Markus Muller crossed for South Africa’s fourth try. Nela’s conversion gave the hosts a commanding 31-0 lead at the break.

France fight back, but SA stay in control

France started the second half brightly, with Auguste Albuisson scoring off the back of a scrum to make it 31-7. But the so-called “Bomb Squad” delivered immediate impact, with Jacobus de Villiers driven over after another dominant scrum.

French lock Christian Mendes Tani scored from a quick tap penalty to close the gap, but the hosts extended their tally with a patient build-up finished by Junaide Stuart for 43-14. Mendes Tani grabbed his second try late in the game, sealing the final score at 43-21.

Ireland edge SA Under-18 A in late thriller

In Friday’s earlier match, the South African Under-18 A team lost 36-33 to Ireland after a late penalty goal by replacement scrumhalf Connor McVicker.

Both sides scored five tries in a back-and-forth contest, with fullback Reinhart Viljoen grabbing two for the hosts. 

Ireland’s composure in the final minutes, capped by McVicker’s second penalty, secured the narrow win.

Then, a fired-up Georgia beat England by 35-31 in the second game.