Australia U20s have registered their first win of the inaugural TRC U20, defeating South Africa 24-19 at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
Fullback Shane Wilcox starred with two tries while playmakers Cullen Gray and Joey Fowler and winger Angus Staniforth were influential in the five-point win.
South Africa were reduced to 14 men in the 19th minute after an illegal cleanout saw Mbasa Maqubela red carded but threatened to steal the game late with Litelihle Bester scoring a second half double.
Ill discipline proved the Junior Springboks downfall late as Bathobele Hlekani saw yellow for collapsing a maul, gifting Australia a crucial penalty try.
Earlier, the sides played out a scoreless opening 28 minutes with Staniforth dangerous on the attack with two early line breaks.
A Cullen Gray penalty finally opened the scoring before the Junior Springboks hit back through JF van Heerden from close range.
Trailing 7-3, Australia found space through Gray, who broke the line from 50 metres out to set up Wilcox’s first try in the 34th minute, setting up a 10-7 half time lead.
The second half opened much last the first with a scoreless 20-minute period before Bester scorched onto a lovely short ball and through the defence from close range.
Not to be outdone, Australia hit back with Staniforth showing a clean pair of hands and heels down the right touchline to set up Wilcox’s second in the 65th minute.
A 72nd minute rolling maul resulted in a penalty try and Hlekani’s sin binning to put the hosts ahead 24-14 before Bester’s second against the run of play set up a grandstand finish.
