Meyer powers South Africa u18 to crushing victory over Ireland
AJ Meyer became the second South African lock to be crowned the man of the match on Tuesday when he helped power South Africa to a commanding u18 International Series victory over Ireland, at Boland Landbou in the Agter-Paarl.
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The Grey College powerhouse stood tall in another dominant forward display from the South Africans, who overwhelmed the Irish 45–5.
The victory was also the second for the hosts over Ireland in as many years.
Although Ireland disrupted the South African lineout on several occasions, Meyer remained a reliable target for his hookers.
It was, however, his immense work rate that earned him the man of the match accolade. In the set scrums, too, the hosts produced another powerful performance that surely left scrum coach Cobus van Dyk smiling.
Scrumhalf Jayden Brits was particularly sharp behind a dominant pack. Playing on his home turf, he set the tone with his high intensity, quick breaks, and crisp service that had the Irish scrambling. As the match wore on, South Africa’s relentless pressure created cracks in the visitors’ defence, particularly out wide.
Meyer’s fellow Grey College man, Lamla Mgedezi, operating on the left wing, and Jadrian Afrikaner, who later replaced him, both capitalised by racing down the left-hand touchline to add to the score in a stunning team performance.
Despite being comprehensively beaten, the Irish kept battling hard. True to their character, their lineout defence was top-tier, which caused the South Africans repeated headaches, and they effectively disrupted several driving mauls.
Captain and tighthead prop Harry Goslin put in a massive shift, which made it fitting that he was the only Irishman to crash over for a try.
Scorers:
South Africa u18 45 (17) – Tries: Jayden Joubert, Clinton Agu, Jayden Brits, Lamla Mgedezi, Jadrian Afrikaner, Ethan Adams. Penalty Try. Conversions: Ruben Groenewald (2), Liyema Nela (2). Ireland 5 (0) – Try: Harry Goslin.
