The South African under 20s scored six tries and four conversions, while Georgia U20 managed to reply with five tries, while only two were converted.

Junior Bok coach Kevin Foote said afterwards his charges did well to pull through in the end, learning good lessons on the way.

Although there were some lapses in concentration which led to the penalties and opening the door for Georgia to persist with the scoreboard pressure, Foote said he saw enough to be encouraged. Playing in very cold conditions but in bright sunshine, the Junior Boks made a positive start and scored three tries, two of which were converted, inside the first 16 minutes for a 19-0 lead.

Gilermo Mentoe (fullback), Chijindu Okonta (left wing), and Dominic Malgas (centre) each scored a try while Matthew Coetzee (flyhalf) added the extras. 

However, the Junior Boks' replacements made a telling impact as they wrestled back the momentum to also score two tries and a conversion by Cheswill Jooste and Xola Nyali to secure a hard-fought but deserved win.

The two teams will meet on Friday in the second and last meeting of the series.

--ChannelAfrica--