South African Under-20 coach Eric Sauls believes that his team gained valuable lessons despite going down 10-5 to the French Invitational XV in Biarritz on Saturday.

This match, where only three tries were scored due to the wet and difficult underfoot conditions, was the Baby Boks’ first international match of the season. Gusting winds and torrential rain in the French city made it difficult for both teams to play much rugby.

Limited scoring opportunities presented itself throughout the match and as a result, the hosts held a 5-0 half time lead after flyhalf Jean Marc Doussaint scored the first try of the match.

In the second half, when fullback Walter Desmainson added the French Invitational XVs second try before SA Under-20 prop Marcel van der Merwe scored the visitors’ only points of the game.

“While playing conditions were unbearable at times, this is exactly the kind of lessons we want the guys to experience,” said Sauls.

“You must remember this was the first game we have played as a team this season. Playing any brand of attacking rugby was impossible due to the overhead and underfoot conditions. I am not making any excuses for the defeat, as we had the odd opportunity to score points.

“But this game afforded us the opportunity to see how our guys can perform in wet conditions.”

Sauls added that he was impressed with how his forwards scrummed and was also happy with the defensive effort of the Baby Boks. The SA Under-20 coach however pointed out that his team struggled at the breakdown after the South Africans were severely penalised in this facet of play.

“We had a referee from England, and in the first half, the guys really struggled to understand the way he officiated the breakdown,” said Sauls.

“But in the second half, we conceded fewer penalties in this area of the game.

“This aspect of the game – understanding and playing to the referee, is another important lesson we will take away from this game. We’ve got two more international friendlies, and it’s going to be important to see how the guys adapt to the northern hemisphere officiating.

Scorers: France Invitational XV – Tries: Jean Marc Doussaint, Walter Desmainson. SA Under-20s –Tries: Marcel van der Merwe.

Issued by SARU Communications