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Page 2 of 2 Wales U19 33-21 S Africa U19 WALES came back bravely from an 18-13 half-time deficit to score three tries and 20 points in the second half to beat last year's champions at the U19 World Championships in Dubai, writes Huw S Thomas.
Wales' third win in four outings means they will play their last game of the campaign on Friday against Ireland - 19-0 winners over Argentina - to decide whether they will finish fifth or sixth in the final table. The young Springboks showed considerable improvement from their earlier games which had seen them go down heavily to France 42-3 and England 45-18 but had no answer to Wales' very strong finish. Despite fly-half Rhys Jones opening the scoring with a first-minute penalty, South Africa had the edge for most of the first half to lead 18-13 in very hot conditions. Tries from centre Francois Steyn and fly-half Andre Smith - plus eight points from the boot of Steyn - bettered the lone Welsh effort from flanker Dan Franks and the kicked points from Jones. When the Springboks went further ahead 21-13 with a Steyn penalty, things started to look black but there is no lack of toughness in the squad and led by workhorse captain and lock Bradley Davies, Wales rallied well. Combative hooker Ken Owens crashed through to start off the recovery with a try converted by his Carmarthen Quins clubmate, replacement fly-half Rhys Priestland. Despite nasty injuries to Sam Kiley and Matthew Larsen, the will was with Wales and in a great finale - testament to their high fitness levels - Priestland kicked a goal before the outstanding Owens and replacement lock Lou Reed sealed an excellent comeback with tries in the last 10 minutes. The final of the tournament will be between New Zealand - 24-11 winners over England - and Australia, who beat France 26-16 in the other semi-final. Wales U19: Tries - K Owens (2), D Franks, L Reed; cons - R Jones, R Priestland; pens - R Jones (2), R Priestland South Africa U19: Tries - F Steyn, A Smith; cons - F Steyn; pens - F Steyn (3) Results: Semi-finals - New Zealand 24 England 11, France 16 Australia 26; play-offs - Wales 33 South Africa 21, Ireland 19 Argentina 0; Scotland 38 Romania 10, Japan 0 Samoa 26
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