The Junior Springboks delivered a fierce statement of intent at the World Rugby U20 Championship on Friday, clawing their way back from a 14-point hole to hammer England 32-22 in a pulsating Pool A clash in Rovigo, Italy, Cape town Etc reports.
South Africas under-20s looked rattled early on as England exploded out of the blocks with two quick-fire tries inside the first 12 minutes. But what followed was a ferocious response led by wing Cheswill Jooste, whose elusive footwork and searing pace tore through the English defence and ignited a memorable comeback.
Despite trailing 22-19 at the break, the Boks came out firing in the second half, posting 13 unanswered points while turning up the heat on defence to leave England frustrated and out of ideas.
Jooste opened South Africa's account with a stunning solo try, stepping past multiple defenders, before combining beautifully with scrumhalf Haashim Pead, who finished off a slick sequence moments later. Fullback Gilermo Mentoe added a third first-half try after Gino Cupido's sublime break cut England open, levelling the scores before a late penalty handed England a narrow lead at halftime.
But the Junior Boks owned the second period.