Tries from Dane Blacker, Cameron Lewis and Corey Baldwin ensured a memorable victory for the young Welsh squad to end their three match tour. After losing to South Africa Schools on Day One, they also recorded an impressive win over Italy on Tuesday.
Skipper Callum Bradbury said, “I couldn’t be a prouder captain, not many teams can claim a win over a South African side at any level. We wanted three out of three, that wasn’t to be, but we’ve shown what we are capable of today.
WRU National Performance Manager Gethin Watts added, “The purpose of this tour is to expose players to the highest level of rugby at this age and to give them an experience which will inspire them to work hard to achieve their true potential.
“There is no doubt they’ve gained a huge amount from the last fortnight that they will take into next season and Under 20 rugby.”
South Africa went ahead with a try for Francke Horn and converted by Austin Davids after 15 minutes and despite attacking opportunities, Wales only managed a penalty for Ben Jones before the break.
The game was, as expected, a very physical one, with South Africa a tough nut to crack but Pontypridd and Cardiff Blues scrum half Dane Blacker managed to cross the whitewash just after half time with a scoring pass from Jones.
More Welsh pressure followed but the visitors weren’t able to capitalise and South Africa went up the other end with a try for outside half Tyrone Green to give them a 12-8 advantage.
All-action centre Cameron Lewis was next on the scoreboard to edge Wales back into a slender, 13-12 lead. Ryan Conbeer was denied in the corner before Corey Baldwin went over on the left wing after good handling by No 8 Morgan Morris and centre Dylan Moss to seemingly win the game for Wales.
At 18-13, the try was again unconverted and South Africa had one more chance to win the game. After surging on the try line, they eventually went over in the right hand corner through Mark Snyman. Davids failed to convert, but was given another chance to take the kick by the referee after Wales charged too early. Wales breathed a sigh of relief with Davids’ kick wide of the mark.
