The Junior Springboks were overpowered by a fired-up Argentina outfit in their second clash of the 2024 U20 World Championship in Stellenbosch on Thursday night.
The South Africans got their campaign off to a flying start when they outplayed Fiji in Cape Town last week, but were outscored five tries to two by Pool C rivals Los Pumitas in a 31-12 defeat in inclement conditions at the Danie Craven Stadium.
A brace of tries from hooker Juan Greising Revol and a Juan Pedro Bernasconi touchdown powered the Argentines into a 17-0 half-time lead, before skipper Efrain Elias and flanker Juan Penoucos dotted down inside the second 40 minutes.
WATCH: Bok bruisers to make a point
Pure power over the line
@Lospumitasarg get the first score against the hosts
#WorldRugbyU20s | #RSAvARG pic.twitter.com/db0GJYp4x1
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) July 4, 2024
The Junior Boks were awarded a penalty try after the break and Argentina were down a man for 10 minutes with lock Felipe Bruno Schmidt in the sin bin, yet the South Americans dug deep and six points from the boot of flyhalf Santino Di Lucca kept their noses in front.
The powerful Batho Hlekani pulled one back for the boys in green and gold at the death but Bafana Nhleko’s charges must regroup for their final pool stage match against England – who thumped Fiji 48-11 on Thursday – at Athlone Stadium next Tuesday.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post Five-try Pumitas feast on Junior Boks appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
