12 April 2005

South Africa finished top of Division A at the International Rugby Board under-19 World Championships, qualifying for a semi-final showdown against England, after beating France 15-9 in a tough contest at Durban's Absa Stadium on Friday.

It was a match that featured plenty of errors, but also some great defensive work. In fact, there were no tries scored in the game. It came down to five successful penalties for the South Africans to three for the French.

Decided by penalties
Jody Rose with four penalties, and Francois Steyn with one, scored South Africa's 15 points, while Thierry Platek replied with three successful kicks for the French.

Most of the action took place up front, as France took the game to the "Baby Boks" in an effort to close down the attacking opportunities of the home team's dangerous back division. For South Africa, flanker Hilton Lobberts stood out.

Despite not picking up a bonus point for the win, Alistair Hargreaves' side ended divisional play with 14 points, one clear of Australia and New Zealand, with England claiming fourth spot.

Defending champs win
In their final group match at Woodburn Stadium in Pietermaritzburg on Friday, defending champions New Zealand held off England 24-17 in a hard-fought encounter that they led 10-8 at the break.

The "Baby Blacks" ran in three tries to one, including one by Isaia Toeava, who also booted nine points for a haul of 14 in the match. England's 17 points all went the way of Ryan Lamb.

New Zealand coach Aussie McLean reckoned his side was hammered up front, but he was happy to take the victory. His England counterpart, Tosh Askew, agreed that his team's forwards excelled, but said turnovers cost his side.

Looking ahead to the semi-final against South Africa, Askew provided the home team with plenty of motivational material when he claimed: "We are fortunate to get into the semi-finals and to play South Africa, who are not as strong as New Zealand."

No points against Australia
Also at Absa Stadium on Friday, Australia held Ireland scoreless, running in two tries in their 23-0 win. Left wing Liam Bibo did plenty of damage for the Aussies, scoring one of the tries and contributing 13 points with the boot.

Not evening a frantic effort by the Irish in the opening stanza could breach the Australian line of defence, which proved immoveable. "Our defence was great", said Australia's captain Scott Daruda. "We take great pride in it. We have not conceded a try yet [in the tournament]."

Wales crush Japan
Wales overran Japan 81-3, crossing for 13 tries in an easy romp. They led 36-3 at the half.

After the Japanese nearly scored an early try, the Welsh awoke and from that point on it was one-way traffic. Martin Roberts dotted down twice and added a further 12 points through conversions to score 22 points in the game, while Aaron Bramwell also scored two tries and chipped in with two conversions.

Scotland edge home
Scotland struggled to an 8-7 win over Romania at Durban's Glenwood High School, scoring their only try of the game early on through eighthman John Barclay.

Sustained pressure by the Eastern Europeans kept the Scots on the back foot throughout as they committed error upon error under pressure. Down 8-0, the Romanians broke out late in the match to score through winger Claudiu Dumitru to make it a one-point game.

"We could have won, but I am still pleased with the result", said Romanian coach Alexandru Achim.

Pumas win
At Durban High School, South American champions Argentina beat Georgia 26-6 after leading just 7-3 at the break.

Georgia enjoyed the better of the forward exchanges, but the "Pumitas" ran in four tries without reply, including two by left wing Francisco Cuneo.

RESULTS

DIVISION A

13:45: Samoa vs Italy, Glenwood HS, Durban

	Flanker Hilton Lobberts was one of the outstanding players for SA at the IRB under-19 World Championships (Photo: IRB under-19 World Championship)

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