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The Junior Springboks lost their U20 Rugby Championship clash against Australia 24-19 at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Tuesday.
As was the case in their tournament-opening 13-13 draw against New Zealand last week, the match took place in treacherous conditions with rain pouring down throughout.
It made handling incredibly difficult and the South Africans, in particular, squandered several opportunities through an inability to hold onto the ball at crucial times.
The Junior Bok cause was also not helped by a red card to loosehead prop Mbasa Maqubela midway through the first half.
Tournament rules dictate that a red card sees a player sidelined for 20 minutes before he can be replaced, but the numerical advantage for that period certainly gave the hosts the edge.
Australia led 10-7 at half-time, and while the Junior Boks did hit the front briefly again in the second period, they ran out of puff and though they did score late in the game to give themselves a chance at pulling off a dramatic comeback, it was too little too late.
This result effectively ends South Africa's chances of winning the competition, leaving them bottom of the log with one game remaining against Argentina.
Scorers:
SA 19 (7)
Tries: JF van Heerden, Litelihle Bester (2)
Conversions: Thurlon Williams (2)
Australia 24 (10)
Tries: Shane Wilcox (2), penalty try
Conversions: Cullen Gray, Joey Fowler
Penalty: Gray
07 May 12:54
07 May 12:53
78'- The conversion is missed but the Junior Boks are still in with a shot.
Junior Springboks 19-24 Australia
07 May 12:52
77'- TRY!
SA winger Litelihle Bester scores his second try. It came after centre Jurenzo Julius scooped on a loose ball before kicking through... Bester then pounced on the ball to dot down...
07 May 12:50
07 May 12:47
73'- However, the officials determined that SA lock Bathobele Hlekani illegally pulled the maul down.
It's therefore a PENALTY TRY to Australia.
Hlekani is also off with a yellow card.
Junior Springboks 14-24 Australia
07 May 12:37
65'- TRY!
Australia hit back through fullback Shane Wilcox who scores his second try. It was set up by a great break by winger Angus Staniforth.
07 May 12:33
62'- TRY!
Junior Springboks winger Litelihle Bester runs a great angle to burst through the defence and score under the posts.
It cam after the South African set up several attacking phases in the red zone.
07 May 12:10
07 May 12:09
07 May 12:05
07 May 11:49
HALF-TIME: Junior Springboks 7-10 Australia
Junior Wallabies pivot Cullen Gray misses with a long-range shot on the stroke of half-time, but his side lead by three...
07 May 11:45
35'- Cullen Gray slots the tough CONVERSION from out wide.
Junior Springboks 7-10 Australia
07 May 11:44
33'- TRY!
The Junior Wallabies hit straight back as fullback Shane Wilcox goes over after a great break.
07 May 11:41
31'- TRY!
Junior Bok captain and lock JF van Heerden barges over after relentless pressure.
07 May 11:36
07 May 11:35
26'- The Junior Boks win a very kickable penalty but they opt for an attacking lineout...
However, moments later they lose possession and the Aussies kick down-field to bring relief.
07 May 11:30
20'- JUST IN: RED CARD
Mbasa Maqubela's yellow card has been upgraded to a red card.
The Junior Springboks will now play with 14 men for 20 minutes before another player can be brought on.
Maqubela's game is over though.
07 May 11:25
20'- YELLOW CARD for Junior Springbok prop Mbasa Maqubela for a dangerous head high tackle.
The tackle will also be reviewed for a possible upgrade to a red card.
07 May 11:24
20'- SA 0-0 Australia
The Junior Wallabies have failed to cash in on their early domination of territory and possession.
07 May 11:19
17'- SA 0-0 Australia
So far, it's the Aussies who have done more of the playing. They have made 20 carries compared to SA's 9; 58m compared to 21m; 2 clean breaks compared to 0; and completed 28 passes to 8.
07 May 11:06
5' - Massive pressure from Australia on the SA tryline but the Junior Boks are solid on defence.
The Aussies have turned down a few shots at goal as well...
07 May 11:03
07 May 09:44
Junior Springboks battle adverse weather to earn thrilling draw against New Zealand
The Junior Boks drew 13-13 with New Zealand in their opening match last week.
