Earlier on Tuesday, the SA Schools A team drew 31-31 in an exciting match against Wales U18. 

The South Africans scored seven tries at Paarl Gymnasium and dominated the match from the outset. Their forwards laid a solid platform and stood up well to the physical South Americans, but it was at the back where the locals had no peers.

Five of their tries were scored by the backs, with Henco van Wyk (centre) and Dylan Alexander (scrumhalf) both scoring well-deserved braces.

Van Wyk and Zeilinga Strydom (fullback) had their opponents in trouble every time they touched the ball.

It was Argentina though that started strongest and their nippy scrumhalf, Facundo Villabla, scored a try after a powerful drive by his pack. The South Africans struck back in quick succession to take the lead and momentum back.

First Dylan “Bobby” Alexander, from Paarl Gym, scored the opening try for his team following a strong run by Strydom and a delightful offload by Tarquinn Manual (winger).

Kian Meadon (flyhalf) failed to convert, but had a successful attempt shortly after when Van Wyk ran a great line to score under the posts.

Meadon was on song again when SA Schools hooker and captain, Jacques Goosen, bulldozed his way over the line after some impressive lead-up play by the pack. The flyhalf then added a penalty goal as the SA Schools team took control of the match.

The lead was extended even further when Alexander got his brace within the opening half hour. The scrumhalf was on hand to finish off a strong run by Strydom, who found Mntungwa Mapantsela (winger) in support. His inside pass was snapped by Alexander, who scored in the corner.

The second half saw more dominance from the home team, who had their pack in full control. It was their backs though who did the job by scoring the tries.

Van Wyk scored another gem that bettered his first half effort. He was given space from a quick ruck and gassed the Argentineans from 50 meters out. Meadon converted.

An intercept try by Gideon van Wyk piled on the misery even further. The replacement flanker, who was on the field for barely a minute, held on to a stray pass and raced away to give Meadon another easy effort.

There was more to come and Strydom was next to score, a try most deserved. The fullback created some tries to others, so his effort in the corner complimented a fine afternoon for the player.

Los Pumitas had their moments, but were guilty of poor handling. When they did manage to hold onto the ball, they proved dangerous, as shown by a late try from Ignacio Ruiz (flanker).

Scorers:

SA Schools 48 (29) – Tries: Dylan Alexander (2), Henco van Wyk (2), Jacques Goosen, Gideon van Wyk, Zeilinga Strydom. Conversions: Kian Meadon (5). Penalty: Meadon