Impressive SA U18 outplay France in opening round
By SA Rugby
August 7, 2026
The SA Under-18 side swept aside France U18 by 52-7 to record their biggest opening round score of the annual U18 International Series, which kicked off Friday at HS Durbanville in the northern suburbs of Cape Town.
The South Africans led 21-7 at halftime and were unstoppable in the second stanza to maintain their impressive unbeaten record in the competition.
The SA U18’s victory meant they are still unbeaten after they beat their age-group counterparts from France, Ireland and England in 2024 and 2025.
After 46-20 and 43-21 victories over the French in the two previous opening rounds, they upped the ante by scoring eight tries against their European opponents.
The SA U18s began the first half brightly by creating numerous opportunities, which had France on the backfoot. Unfortunately for them and the home supporters, they made this good work undone by committing handling errors.
They finally broke the deadlock after almost 10 minutes when fullback Lamla Mgedezi sliced through the French defence for the first try. Further tries by No 8 and captain Jacobus de Villiers and right wing Anesu Kuzonyei - all converted by flyhalf Ethan van Biljon - gave the South Africans a deserved 21-7 lead at the halfway stage, with France replying with a try by Luani Suta.
It was one way traffic in the second half, with the South Africans scoring five more times.
Tries by Ncutu Kepe (left wing), Stefan van der Vyver (loose forward), Luke Boyle, Thabiso Simelane (replacement outside backs), and Mgedezi – completing his brace – handed the SA U18s a winning start to this popular annual age-group international series.
Earlier on Friday, the SA U18 ‘A’ side snuck home by 32-31 over Ireland at the same venue, with a late penalty goal by Travis Pheiffer sealing the deal for the South Africans.
The SA U18s tackle Ireland next Tuesday in their second-round fixture at the Boland Landbou rugby fields outside Wellington.
Scorers:
SA U18 52 (21) – Tries: Lamla Mgedezi (2), Jacobus de Villiers, Anesu Kuzonyei, Ncutu Kepe, Stefan van der Vyver, Luke Boyle, Thabiso Simelane. Conversions: Ethan van Biljon (4), Achmat Behardien.
France U18 7 (7) – Try: Luani Suta. Conversion: Jehlani Trillo.
U18 International Series – second round:
Tuesday, 11 August at Boland Landbou, Wellington
11h30: SA U18 'A' vs Georgia U18
13h30: England U18 vs France U18
15h30: SA U18 vs Ireland U18
Photographer: Charmaine Sander Photography
