Australia U20 fell to South Africa U20 56-17 in a tough, physical matchup in Round Two of The Rugby Championship.
The Aussies were down to at least 14 men three separate times during the match which ultimately was too much to overcome.
After a couple of penalties to get them up the field, the Junior Springboks struck first through Jack Benade in the right corner.
It went from bad to worse for the Aussies a few minutes later when Leo Jaques was given a yellow card for head-to-head contact.
With a man advantage, South Africa U20 were able to capitalise finding space and eventually the try line through Flanker Wasi Vyambwera.
A penalty try and a yellow card on top compounded a tough first 25 minutes for the young Aussies.
Finn McKay then produced a magical moment for Chris Whitaker’s side with a dummy-and-go getting the Australians on the board.
Another penalty try along with a third yellow in the first-half helped the hosts establish a 21-point lead.
The 13-man Aussies kept fighting and hit back with a five-pointer of their own just before the half, through Riley Whitfeld after a nice move down the left-hand side.
Australia had the first chances coming out of the break but weren't able to convert before a powering run by Ethan Adams off a set-piece move extended South Africa's lead.
Both teams then exchanged tries with Hendre Schoeman and Taione Taka getting on the scoresheet.
South Africa wrapped up the game and the Rugby Championship title with two tries in the final 15 minutes.
Australia U20 will look to get a win in the final round of the Rugby Championship when they take on Argentina U20 next Saturday.
