USA Hammer SA U20 in IRB Nations Cup

The SA Women’s Under-20 team suffered their first defeat in the IRB Nations Cup in London as they went down 42-5 against the USA in their second pool match at Trent College, Long Eaton on Sunday night.

This followed a spirited 24-22 victory against hosts England in their opening match last Thursday.

Click to read the match report on gsport

The USA completely dominated the first half thanks to their effectiveness at the breakdowns and their ability to capitalise on their try-scoring opportunities, but the fact that SA were reduced to 14 women for 20 minutes of the first half also assisted their cause.

No. 8 Faith Tshauke was sin-binned in the first 10 minutes for an early tackle, with centre Ezryn van Aswegen following for a deliberate knock-down later in the half.

With the momentum and numbers favouring the USA they reaped the rewards with three tries to add to centre Amelia Bizer’s early penalty for a convincing 22-0 lead.

South Africa, however, came out fighting in the second half and replied with a well-worked try by centre Ntombifuthi Sibiloane.

But this proved to be their only points of the match as the USA again took control of proceedings. This fine form earned them another three second-half tries which increased their tally for the match to six.

In the other round-robin match Canada thumped England 43-15 to hand the home side their second defeat in as many matches.

SA will meet Canada in their final pool match on Wednesday, with the third and fourth place playoff and the final respectively set to take place on Sunday.

(With editing by gsport)