Zach Fittler has rough initiation with Junior Wallabies as South Africa prove far too strong on home soil
Updated . First published at
Zach Fittler's Junior Wallabies endured a torrid 80 minutes against the Junior Springboks as South Africa won the under-20 Rugby Championship with a round to spare on Monday (AEST).
The Baby Boks - coached by former Melbourne Rebels mentor Kevin Foote - ran out dominant 56-17 winners at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.
Fittler, the son of rugby league icon Brad, made his Rugby Championship debut at inside centre after coach Chris Whitaker called him up as a replacement for the injured Frankie Goldsbrough.
Watch the under-20 Rugby Championship with every match streaming live and on demand on the home of rugby, Stan Sport
Zach Fittler of Australia during the U20 Rugby Championship match in Gqeberha. Getty
But, behind a beaten pack, the NSW Waratahs prospect was outshone by rival No.12 Ethan Adams.
Dubbed 'The Tank,' Adams showed why he is rated one of the best young talents in South Africa as he burst past Fittler and other Australian defenders to score one of the hosts' eight tries.
"I think the whole squad showed what it means to play for South Africa. We showed grit and I'm super proud of everyone," Foote said.
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South Africa celebrates Wasi Vyambwera of South Africa's try during the U20 Rugby Championship match. Getty
"Our DNA is physicality, but it's also skill. You see the physicality in breakdown and how we want to play. This team plays with pride.
"Our discipline has also been excellent - we haven't had a card in this competition yet, which is massive."
Finn McKay, Riley Whitfeld and Taione Taka were Australia's try-scorers.
Ball carrier Zach Fittler of Australia during the U20 Rugby Championship match. Getty
But the Junior Wallabies were again hurt by poor discipline as they copped three yellow cards and two penalty tries.
Australia also had two players carded in their tournament-opening 34-29 loss to New Zealand last week.
The Junior Wallabies will wrap up their campaign against Argentina next weekend.
Tom Robinson of Australia during the U20 Rugby Championship match. Getty
Fittler isn't the only son of a gun in Whitaker's squad.
The team is captained by Queensland flanker Tom Robinson, the son of former Wallabies backrower turned World Rugby chairman Brett.
NSW backrower Toby Brial - son of Michael and brother of Joe - is also in the side.
