The Junior Springboks recorded a 25 - 22 win in the first of two matches against the Los Pumitas in Santa Fe Argentina on Tuesday evening.
The Junior Boks scored a converted try and a penalty in the first half as they trailed by five points at the break, 10 - 15.
Eastern Province's Micheal Jear scored the Junior Boks' first half try, followed by two second half tries by Grant Hermanus and Dan du Preez. Ernst Stapelberg converted two of the tries and added a penalty in each half.
“We had a long journey coming here, had only one full training session and a bus trip of more than two hours to the stadium today," said a relieved Junior Springbok coach, Dawie Theron.
"I told the players this match would be a huge test of character for them and Argentina did exactly what we expected, making it extremely difficult for us to play our normal game. They were strong upfront and tackled as if their lives depended on it,” explained Theron.
Theron admitted his harsh words during halftime had the desired effect on his players in the second half.
“We were much more composed and calm and that allowed us to eventually fight our way back successfully. I’m pleased with the effort and the character of the guys, but we now also know the areas where we must work on for the next match,” added Theron.
The next match will be in Rosaria on Saturday.
Scorers:
Argentina Under-20: (15) 22 - Tries: Christian Bartolini, Jose Deheza, Emiliano Bofelli. Conversions: Bofelli (2). Penalty: Bofelli.
Junior Springboks: (10) 25 - Tries: Michael Jaer, Grant Hermanus, Dan du Preez. Conversions: Ernst Stapelberg (2). Penalties: Stapelberg (2).
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