International Rugby Board (IRB) Nations Cup champions Emerging South Africa scored a thrilling 20-19 victory over a resilient Italy A in Bucharest on Sunday to put them firmly on course to retain their title.
The defending champions went into the halftime break with a deserved 10-0 lead after a try by right wing Waka Lolo and a conversion and penalty by fly half Isma-eel Dollie.
The more experienced outfit of Italy A had more possession in the opening spell, but their young opponents countered with good organization on defence and great positional play by especially Dollie.
After a somewhat scrappy first half, the match suddenly came alive with the Italian outside half Paulo Buso quickly bringing his team within striking range via two penalties (10-6). But Emerging SA hit back three minutes later with their best movement of the game.
Dollie fed fullback Bjorn Basson in space and at full speed, who sent wing Rocco Jansen over after he had drawn the cover defence with a storming run. Dollie converted from a narrow angle to stretch the lead to a comfortable 17-6.
Brusso kept Italy in the game with two more penalties and Dollie himself added another to take the score to 20-12 in favor of Emerging SA.
However, with barely three minutes on the clock remaining reserve hooker Franco Sbaraglini crashed over for a converted try to send the match into a dramatic last few minutes.
The South Africans can secure their successful Cup defence with a victory over hosts Romania on Friday while Italy plays Romania.
Earlier on Sunday, Georgia registered their first win of the tournament with a narrow 20-18 win over Uruguay.
Points scorers:
Emerging South Africa: Tries: Waka Lolo, Rocco Jansen; Conversions: Dollie (2); Penalties (2).
Italy A: Try: Franco Sbaraglini; Conversion: Paolo Buso; Penalties:Buso (4)
Source: Xinhua
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