The last day of the 2014 IRB Junior World Championships had a tense final between South Africa and England, a brave performance in the play-off for third place and an amazing comeback in the rankings match for fifth place.
“Bardon” writes on the final, and the earlier third place play-off.
Following that is a report on the Australia v France match held earlier in the day—then “Bardon” gives his overview of the 2014 tournament.
South Africa v. England
by”Bardon”
South Africa made the final on the back of two tough games against New Zealand and looked battle hardened.
England might have worried about being a little underdone having comfortably seen off Ireland in the Semi-Final. Their only real test to this point was their pool game against Australia.
First half
It was a bit of a scrappy first ten minutes as both teams tried to impose themselves on the opposition. Some nerves showed through as both sides made errors.
When Burns was pinged for offside South Africa opened the scoring after thirteen minutes with a penalty from Pollard, 3-0.
Within two minutes Burns had drawn England level with du Toit offside at the ruck, 3-3.
The game really sparked into life when Kriel gathered a bouncing chip from Pollard to run in for a try out wide. Pollard converted for 10-3 at the end of the first quarter.
Jesse Kriel – scored two tries for South Africa
A rare error from Pollard, who kicked out on the full, gave England good field position just outside the Boks’ 22. England’s lineout malfunctioned as they overthrew and South Africa cleared.
A monster penalty from England fullback Morris, well inside his own half, brought England back in touch at 10-6.
As halftime approached Tomkins burst through the South African defence. He was brought down short of the line; but a quick recycle led to Burns putting Earle away in the corner, the conversion was missed from the touchline.
South Africa dominated much of the play with good possession and territory but it was England who led 11-10 at halftime.
Defences were on top in the first half with Pollard’s game management putting them in the right parts of the field.
Nathan Earle (right) – Scored first try for England
In the set piece South Africa’s lineout went well with them pinching plenty of England ball, aided by some very poor throwing from Woolstencroft. England had the nudge in the scrum; shunting South Africa backwards with an ease that would not make for comfortable viewing for any Baby Boks fans.
Second half
South Africa would have wanted to respond quickly in the second half. However it was England who scored first from the boot of Burns. His penalty made it 14-10.
Hill then transgressed at the breakdown to allow Pollard to reply immediately 14-13 after 46 minutes.
England then won another penalty as their play began to match their status as leaders. Burns kicked to the corner. Woolstencroft got his throw right for once but pressure from South Africa forced a knock-on. The Boks cleared and England’s gamble didn’t pay off.
England did get their try a couple of minutes later. Information from the TMO lead to a five-metre lineout being reversed in favour of England. They then caught and drove over the line, Conlon the man with the ball.
Joel Conlon (right) – scored maul try
Burns slotted the conversion to make it 21-13. A little daylight for England while South Africa were yet to impose themselves in the second half.
Burns missed a penalty chance at the start of the final quarter that would have made their fans breathe a little easier if he’d gotten it.
Almost immediately South Africa made them pay. From a retreating scrum the spread the ball wide Esterhuizen breaking tackle of Tomkins and putting Kriel through for his second try. Pollard’s conversion made it a one point game at 21-20 as the Boks came roaring back into the game.
With the game entering the final ten minutes England seemed to be carry an injured player in the shape of Earle who they tried to hide on defence.
As the Boks began to get their big forwards running Pollard missed a long range drop goal.
Then tension built as we got closer to the hooter, but neither team was able to add to the totals. England got the ball off the field to win 21-20 and become 2014 Junior World Champions.
Billy Burns – kicked his goals
Coming into the game one might have expected South Africa’s backs to shade it as both monster packs cancelled each other out. It was England’s backs who dug them out of a hole in the first half as their pack malfunctioned in the lineout and failed to impose themselves in the loose. When their pack stepped it up early in the second half it looked like the Boks didn’t have an answer.
However this South African team have real spirit and the fought their way back in the final quarter.
Both teams contributed to what was a fantastic final. The two squads of young men were outstanding all tournament. South Africa came so close and should be very proud of their efforts.
Congratulations go to England on their second Junior World Champions title on the bounce.
See page 2 for the bronze medal match
