Cape Town -The South African Under-20s returned back to winning ways at the 2011 IRB Junior World Championship in Italy following their 57-15 victory over Ireland in Padova on Wednesday.

The Baby Boks outmuscled their opponents and ran in nine tries in a match which saw the South Africans employ an attractive brand of rugby.

The team coached by Dawie Theron were in attacking form from the kick off and were rewarded with some scintillating five-pointers as they entertained the crowd at the stadium.

Springbok Sevens talent Tshotsho Mbovane scored a hat-trick of tries, winger Wandile Mjekevu a brace, with South Africa’s other tries were added by flanker Cornell du Preez, centers Jaco Taute and Francois Venter; and captain Arno Botha. Flyhalf Johan Goosen kicked five conversions while replacement pivot Johnny Welthagen added one conversion.

The Baby Boks dominated the set-pieces thanks to their efficient line-out and scrum. The South Africans leaked two tries, but were superb on defence after outmuscling Ireland.

The SA U20s who conceded a 26-20 defeat against England during the final Pool C match on Saturday, put in a complete all round performance.

“Compliments to the complete squad here in Italy tonight for showing the world what this team can really do,” said Theron.

“The guys were really gutted after that defeat against England, and I am proud of the character showed by this team to come back to the same stadium and put in a performance that we know they are capable of.

“We had to adjust our goals for the tournament after that defeat, and one of our new targets are to end the tournament with only one defeat. We want to make it four out of five wins. We’ve got Fiji on Sunday which is going to be another physical challenge,, but we know what we are capable of and that’s all I will be asking of the guys again. To end the tournament on a high, something like we started it.”

Scorers:

South Africa – Tries: Tshotsho Mbovane (3), Wandile Mjekevu (2), Cornell du Preez, Jaco Taute, Francois Venter, Arno Botha; Conversions: Johan Goosen (5), Johnny Welthagen.

Ireland – Tries:  Paddy Jackson, Eoin McKeon; Conversion: James McKinney; Penalty: McKinney.