Wales Under-20s - who included five Dragons in the squad - were beaten 47-27 by South Africa Under-20s in the final of the U20s Six Nations Summer Series.
Byron Hayward’s side have improved immeasurably since the Under-20s Six Nations but came up against an undefeated Junior Springboks outfit who had swept aside Ireland, England, and France, respectively in the pool stage.
South Africa drew first blood after seven minutes when No 8 Louw Nel powered over from short range before Wales hit back with Joe Hawkins nailing a penalty.
But the Junior Springboks were far too powerful for Wales to handle and, after prop Nathan Evans got sent to the sin bin for taking Lukhanyo Vokozela out in the air, replacement hooker Tiaan Lange touched down.
South Africa’s third try was well-worked with inside centre Suleiman Hartzenberg touching down. The Junior Boks grabbed a fourth try with Lange claiming his brace as they took a 26-3 lead at the interval.
Wales started the second-half strongly, and scored arguably the try of the tournament through Mason Grady.
But South Africa were quickly back on top with Lange completing his hat-trick when he barged over from short-range.
Hartzenberg was next on the scoreboard after he collected a grubber kick to touch down but Wales did score a second try as replacement outside-half Josh Phillips put through a neat ball which was collected by Dragons ace Joe Westwood who scored.
Ethan James jinked past defenders for South Africa’s seventh try before Ethan Fackrell scored Wales’ third after some impressive handling and second-row Dafydd Jenkins showed his strength to force his way over the line for another consolation try.
Congratulaitons to Ryan Woodman, Nathan Evans, Che Hope, Morgan Lloyd, Joe Westwood and Oli Andrew who all impressed during the tournament.
