The South African ”A” team in Argentina overcame strong resistance from Buenos Aires Province on Wednesday night to emerge 47-28 victors in a tightly contested match that kept supporters on their feet for the better part of the game.
It all came down to the tactical superiority of the visitors, as the hosts sought to dominate from the first whistle. As expected, Buenos Aires took advantage of their strong forwards, flexing their collective muscle in tight phases.
The efforts of the home team in the opposition territory were rewarded when hooker AgustÃn Costa Repetto scored a try after 10 minutes, following a bitter tussle metres from the line. Captain Federico Serra converted to make it 7-0.
Serra’s team was still in the attack mode when Chumani Booi intercepted their ball and made a beeline for the poles seven minutes later. Willem de Waal made no mistake, giving the visitors the equaliser.
Taking the game to the opposition, centre Vusumzi Mbulali swerved skilfully and went for the gap, past the defence, to score the visitors’ second try in the 25th minute. De Waal’s boot took the score to 14-7.
Three minutes later, Akona Ndungane (whose twin brother, Odwa, scored the opening try against Argentina ”A” on Sunday), surprised the defence with his fine sprint and scored a try that gave the South Africans what seemed a comfortable lead. He was back again in the 40th minute with a try that put the half-time score to 26-7.
Four minutes into the second half, Buenos Aires narrowed the gap with a try by Ignacio Visser, converted by Serra. Eight minutes later, Serra registered a try and a conversion, taking the score to a five-point difference.
A penalty try in the 61st minute, converted by Serra, put the hosts in the lead once again at 26-28.
But those were the last points Buenos Aires were to register for the evening. Three tries (Ndungane in the 72nd minute, Jorrie Muller in the 76th minute and Schalk Brits in the 84th minute) and three conversions by substitute Andre Pretorius sealed the game for the South Africans.
South Africa ”A” coach Rudy Joubert was full of praise for his charges, particularly those who earned their first caps.
”I was impressed with the way Zolani [Mofu], Vusi [Mbulali], Akona and Tiger [Mangweni] showed their mettle in such a tough game,” said Joubert.
”They exuded confidence normally associated with seasoned international players. I think they have bright futures ahead of them. Generally, our boys scored great tries and stood up to tough opposition.” — Sapa