Tenacious SA Under-19s end European Tour on a high with gritty win over Ireland

THE JUNIOR Springboks ended their European tour in emphatic fashion on Friday evening, producing a courageous and tactically sharp performance to beat Ireland 32-22 in Cork. In freezing cold, wet, and windy conditions, the SA Under-19 Academy team showed immense determination to close out the tour with a statement victory.

Playing in relentless rain and heavy winds, the young South Africans leaned into their traditional strengths, delivering a powerful forward display that overwhelmed the hosts. Three tries from the pack and a second half penalty try highlighted their dominance up front, with Ireland struggling to contain the visitors’ driving maul.

Head coach Kevin Foote praised his squad’s resolve after a challenging week that followed defeat to France.

“That was just a brave performance from our young men; I thought they showed tremendous character in seriously harsh conditions,” Foote said. “Their attitude all week, since we left France, has been nothing short of excellent. We simply accepted the weather and focused on what we could control.”

Foote made significant rotational changes for the Ireland clash and was especially encouraged by the leadership shown both in the build-up and during the game.

“Our leadership was outstanding,” he said. “Led by Riley Norton and Esethu Mnebelele, Vusi Moyo really stood up nicely in the back, while another leader, ‘Rambo’ Kubheka, made a huge impact off the bench. Our senior players inducted the new guys brilliantly, and honestly, spending time with this group has been special.”

Foote emphasised the importance of the European tour in the broader development of the South African Under-20 programme.

“This block is hugely important for our journey as a new group,” he said. “Touring two countries and playing in these challenging conditions is exactly what we needed. Our pack once more stood up, and the backs are really starting to find cohesion. We came here looking for those connections, and we saw them on Friday evening.”

Captain Riley Norton, who shifted from lock to blindside flanker for the match, delivered an immense performance. He dominated the collisions, disrupted the Irish lineout, and helped drive the forwards’ momentum in testing conditions.

“That was probably the toughest match I've ever played, weather-wise,” Norton said. “The wind and rain were relentless, but we knew we had to embrace those conditions. We spoke all week about showing that typical South African strength and determination.

“Our forwards were unbelievable, that maul was unstoppable, we won the physical battle, and we were brave in defence, all of which were key to securing the win.”

Norton attributed the team’s sharp improvement to lessons learned from the loss to France.

“There was a different energy and absolute commitment to the physical breakdown,” he said. “We learned to confront the pressure head-on, and to bounce back like that truly shows the heart of this team.”

The victory, achieved against a strong Ireland outfit and in front of a passionate home crowd, has given the Junior Springboks renewed confidence as they continue preparations for next year’s Under-20 calendar.

“This tour has been huge for our growth as a new group,” Norton added. “We’re returning home knowing we’ve put down a very good marker.”

The SA Under-19s depart Dublin on Sunday evening and are expected to land in Johannesburg early on Monday before dispersing to their respective home provinces.