Stagnation on Sunshine Coast for NZ U20 » allblacks.com

A try from Frank Vaenuku in the 78th minute saved the tie for New Zealand. Down 13-8, New Zealand patiently built phases inside the South Africa 22 before top-five Rico Simpson lofted a 20-metre pass to the Chiefs’ unmarked winger.

In a puddle, close to the touchline, Simpson narrowly missed the conversion.

A tropical downpour turned the countryside into mud and a vile easterly wind compounded the misery. New Zealand had the wind at their backs in the first half, but were unable to capitalize on an overwhelming territory advantage.

The only goal in a brutal and clumsy opening was a penalty taken by winger Isacc Hutchinson. South African center Tylor Sefoor was pinged for failing to roll (or swim) away from a ruck after a determined charge from Xavi Taele. Hutchinson punished the young Boks from 25 metres.

In the 37th minute, Hutchinson kicked a 50/22 and New Zealand finally secured clean lineout possession, eventually winning a five-metre scrum. Unfortunately, Malachi Wrampling came out of a scrum. It was a rare blemish on the bustling No. 8.

Hutchinson had another chance from a similar position, but shot the ball wide of the target. Hutchinson, along with his St Bede’s College colleague Ben O’Donovan, generally applied themselves with poise, courage and intelligence. The kicks were polite and with commendable precision in shocking weather.

It was hard work in the forwards with South African forwards Tiaan Jacobs, Bathobele Hlekani and Sibabalwe Mahashe threatening. Openside Hlekani looks like a mini Siya Kolisi. The New Zealand scrum was firm and robust. New Zealand seven Johnny Lee and locks Tom Allen and Liam Jack (nephew of 67-Test All Black Chris Jack) faced the fire.

It took something bold and exceptional for a try to be scored. It came in the 53rd minute from Simpson. A bullet pass traveled 25 meters and hit winger Stanley Solomon in the chest, who darted like a swordfish.

New Zealand did not secure the restart and the momentum inexplicably shifted. Sefoor took a penalty to make it 8-3.

Two minutes later, Simpson failed to land a towering, swirling kick. Ethan Bester took advantage of the spill in the New Zealand 22. Second five Bruce Sherwood continued and unloaded into the hands of a retreating Solomon towards Joel Leotlela who had a clear passage to the line. Sefoor converted the wingers try and suddenly the score was 10-8, South Africa.

New Zealand seemed to be imploding. Another Sefoor penalty added 13 unanswered points in six minutes.

Sefoor could have put South Africa out of reach after a scrum penalty in the 72nd minute, but he missed a useful kick near the New Zealand 22-yard line.

In the 73rd minute, flanker JF van Heerden received a yellow card for an illegal tackle and New Zealand regained the initiative.

Simpson’s spirited risk added excitement to a stagnant New Zealand attack. Solomon was always elusive, except when Joshua Boulle crushed him in a tackle that could have humiliated a Hollywood action hero. Solomon jumped to his feet. His mother is former Black Ferns forward Erin Rush.

New Zealand showed composure and boldness to regain control of a match they dictated marginally for long periods, but which almost slipped away.

New Zealand’s next mission is against Argentina on Tuesday at 7pm NZT.

New Zealand:13 (Stanley Solomon, Frank Vaenuku tries; pen by Isaac Hutchinson) South Africa: 13 (try Joel Leotlela; Tylor Sefoor; 2 pen, scam) HT: 3-0. New Zealand