Australian fightback not enough to beat South Africa

Australia takes on the South African defence at the IRB World Championship Final.

A bold second-half fightback by the Australian Under 21s was not enough to reel in South Africa at the IRB U21 World Championships this morning (AEST).

South Africa defeated Australia 24-20 in a thrilling final in front of 28,000 spectators at the Malvinas Argentinas Stadium in Mendoza, Argentina.

South Africa looked to have wrapped up the game midway through the second half when replacement scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar first darted over from a scrum close to the Australian line and then added a penalty to give the young Springboks a 24-6 lead.

But back came Australia with a stunning try by Henari Veratau, who picked a great line to receive full back Cameron Shepherd's perfectly judged reverse pass and motored to the line.

The young Wallabies then created another great attacking opportunity from deep in the South Africa 22, from which Benn Robinson powered over.

With Shepherd adding both conversions, Australia were only four points behind. But, despite a barrage of attacks in the final moments, they were unable to score the vital try that would have seen them snatch victory.

South Africa had begun the match strongly and from a break in midfield Derick Kuun scored the game's first try. Before half time, prop Sangoni Mxoli showed a remarkable turn of speed and awareness to capitalise on a loose ball near the Australian line to score.

Australia's sole points of the first half came in the form of two Shepherd penalties.

South Africa now hold both the IRB Under 21 and IRB u19 World Championship crowns.

Ben Mowen (captain Australia):

"It was a very hard game. I'm a bit disappointed, but only with the result, not with the way we played, above all because we got so close in the end. It was a high tempo game and we spent a lot of time defending. we had our moments, but South Africa are a great team and I take my hat off to them."

Paul Delport (captain South Africa):

"It was great to be able to get back on to the bench after the knock I got to see my team mates win the match. Australia is a great opponent and it was a really close game, but in the end we had just enough to win it, and I think it was a good game to watch as well. We worked very hard before we came here and we got it right strategically and tactically, and that's why we won."

Match-by-match results from the Championship can be found at www.irbu21.com.