Geraint Lewis’ players started strongly, holding their own against a very physical South African side. Billy McBryde kept Wales level with the hosts in the first half hour with two penalties, matching the efforts of South Africa outside half Curwin Bosch.
And although scrum half Embrose Papier touched down before the break, Bosch converting to make the half-time score 13-6, Wales went in confident of a competitive second half.
That was not to be, and after a loose kick by Wales, centre Stedman Gans scored a brilliant try which signalled a purple patch for the hosts. Gans scored again before hooker Johan Grobelaar crossed, Bosch adding the extras for a tally of 19 points in just over 10 minutes, giving Wales a huge mountain to climb.
In addition, full back Rhun Williams was sent off for a dangerous tackle after 55 minutes, leaving Wales with 14 men for the last quarter of an hour.
Bosch added a penalty for that offence and lock Ruben de Villiers added a fifth try for the hosts.
Wales centre Kieran Williams claimed a well-deserved try in injury time but it was certainly a case of too little, too late for Wales.
WRU National Performance manager Gethin Watts said, “It was exactly the physical battle we expected, and certainly nothing like these players had experienced before. That is why we come to this tournament. It was an excellent experience that can only help these boys as they progress to the next level.
“The intensity was huge and the players’ application in the first half was superb, but they didn’t convert enough pressure into points and they paid for that in the second half.
“It’s a harsh but important lesson, you can’t give teams of this quality unforced errors or you’ll be punished ruthlessly, as we were today. We will now regroup and hopefully the players will show what they can do against Italy on Tuesday in George before facing South Africa A next Saturday.”
Scorers:
SA Schools – Tries: Embrose Papier, Johan Grobbelaar, Ruben de Villiers, Stedman Gans (2). Conversions: Curwin Bosch (4). Penalties: Curwin Bosch (3).
Wales – Try: Kieran Williams. Penalties: Billy McBryde (2).
Wales Under 18 v South Africa Schools:
Rhun Williams (RGC / Brynrefail/ Caernarfon); Teri Morgan-Gee (Blues/ Cymoedd/Rumney); Danny Cross (RGC / Rydal Penrhos / Wrexham), Kieran Williams (Ospreys / Ystalyfera/ Glynneath), Josh Hodson (Dragons / Llandovery College); Billy McBryde (Scarlets / Sir Gar/ Llanelli), Matthew Aubrey (Ospreys / Gower College / Pontarddulais); ), Rhys Fawcett (Scarlets / Llandovery), Ellis Shipp (Dragons / Coleg Gwent / Penallta), Leon Brown (Dragons / Cross Keys/ Newport High), Calum Haggett (captain, Blues / Coleg y Cymoedd / Gilfach Goch), Callum Bradbury (Blues / Cymoedd / Beddau), Shane Lewis-Hughes (Blues / Cymoedd / Ystrad Rhondda), Morgan Sieniawski (Blues / Cymoedd/ Beddau), Joshua Macleod (Scarlets / Bro Gwaun / Crymych)
Replacements: Gerwyn Coleman (Blues / Cymoedd/ Penygraig), Steff Thomas (Scarlets / Coleg Sir Gar), Kieron Assirrati (Blues / Coleg y Cymoedd / Wattstown), Bryce Morgan (Dragons / Newport High School/ Caerleon), Aled Ward (Blues / Cowbridge / Cardiff Quins), Efan Jones (RGC/ Rydal Penrhos / Wrexham), Callum Hall (Blues/ Cymoedd), Connor Edwards (Dragons / Newport High School / Croesyceiliog)
S4C highlights programmes:
South Africa U18 v Wales:
Friday 7 August 10.30pm, S4C
Website: s4c.cymru
Wales U18 v Italy
Tuesday 11 August 9.30pm, S4C
South Africa A v Wales
Saturday 15 August 10.00pm, S4C
