Pumitas fall to Junior Springboks

Argentina u20s fell to a 33-26 loss this morning against South Africa u20s. The match was an intense contest played in wet conditions. It was a round two fixture of the U20 International Series. Los Pumitas were big winners in their prior match against Georgia. Next up for Argentina is the battle of the Rio de la Plata.

South Africa scored three tries, one more than the total scored by Argentina. The real difference, though was the discipline. Argentina gave away penalties that relieved pressure and provided the home team with scoring opportunities. Argentina gave away 14 penalties during the contest.

South Africa started the match very well. Outside center Henco van Wyk found his way into the try zone for a 9th minute score. It was converted by fly half Jordan Hendrikse who had earlier landed a penalty. The 10-0 lead within ten minutes was a nightmare start for Los Pumitas.

Ramiro Waisberg opened Argentina’s account. The fly half landed penalties in the 13th and 16th minute. There would be no leveling out of the scoresheets though; instead, winger Canan Moodie charged over for the first of two tries of the match. Hendrikse converted and also added a penalty one minute later.

Argentina then responded immediately. Hooker Bautista Bernasconi continued his fine form to score for the South Americans. Waisberg converted to make it a 17-13 deficit after 25 minutes. Argentina then did very well to withstand pressure as South Africa were closing in on their third try. Defense held out to retain the four point difference between the teams at half time.

Waisberg and Hendrikse exchanged third quarter penalties. Moodie then crossed to put South Africa in a commanding position. His 64th minute try had a response with an Argentine hooker again finding his way over. Replacement Martín Vaca was the scorer. Waisberg landed the conversion and followed it up with a 73rd minute penalty.

The teams now turn their attention to Uruguay and Georgia respectively. Their final round matches will be played on Saturday, June 28. Argentina take on Uruguay while South Africa will face Georgia.

 

SCORING

SOUTH AFRICA 33
Try – van Wyk (9′), Moodie 2 (24′, 64′)
Con – Hendrikse 3 (10′, 25′, 64′)
Pen – Hendrikse 4 (7′, 46′, 60′, 64′)

ARGENTINA 26
Try – Bernasconi (25′), Vaca (66′)
Con – Waisberg (25′, 67′)
Pen – Waisberg 4 (13′, 16′, 56′, 73′)

TEAMS

SOUTH AFRICA
1 Jan Hendrick, 2 Andre-Hugo Venter, 3 Corne Wilbach, 4 Simon Miller, 5 Reinhardt Ludwig, 6 Sasko Ndlovu, 7 Siya Ningiza, 8 George Cronje (capt.), 9 Bradley Davids, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 11 Ethan James, 12 Tyler Bocks, 13 Henco van Wyk, 14 Canan Moodie, 15 Quan Horn

Replacements: 16 Jacques Goosen, 17 Nolan Pienaar, 18 Sibusiso Shongwe, 19 Raynard Roets, 20 Rynard Mouton, 21 Nico Steyn, 22 Sacha Mngomezulu, 23 Mnqobi Mkhize

ARGENTINA
Los Pumitas: 1 Nicolás Toth, 2 Bautista Bernasconi, 3 Javier Coronel, 4 Pedro Rubiolo, 5 Lucio Anconetani, 6 Bautista Grenon, 7 Jerónimo Gómez Vara (capt.), 8 Joaquín Oviedo, 9 Mateo Albanese, 10 Ramiro Waisberg, 11 Francisco Diez, 12 Mateo Graziano, 13 Justo Piccardo, 14 Francisco Pisani Caride, 15 Santiago Vera Feld

Replacements: 16 Martín Vaca, 17 Mateo Núñez Miserez, 18 Martín Villar, 19 Ramón Duggan, 20 Aitor Bildosola, 21 Facundo Villalba, 22 Ramón Fuentes, 23 Lautaro Sánchez Rubio