Overview

• South Africa’s main U18 side closed the series undefeated after a 69-24 victory over England in the final match at Paarl Gimnasium.
• The hosts ran in 11 tries, powered by a seven-try second half that kept England scoreless until the closing stages.
• Tries from Jadriaan Afrikaner, Gert Kemp and a brace by Markus Muller among nine different scorers highlighted South Africa’s depth, with Liyema Nela and Ruben Groenewald converting four times each.
• In the preceding fixture, France overcame the SA U18 ‘A’ team 40-14, overturning an 18-14 half-time deficit through a late three-try surge.
• Cool, overcast conditions at Paarl Gimnasium tested both sides and underscored the developmental value of the U18 International Series.