The Junior Springboks outplayed France to finish the pool stages of the U20 Six Nations Summer Series with three wins in Verona on Tuesday.

Having led 17-12 at half time, the South Africans scored five tries and captain Sacha Mngomezulu landed seven goals from the kicking tee for a convincing 42-27 victory. The Junior Boks won their previous two Pool A matches against England and Ireland.

The scorching heat did not prevent the two sides from turning on the style in the second half, during which time the South Africans increased their dominance by scoring three tries to cap a richly deserved victory.

Mngomezulu had an outstanding game with his ball distribution and kicking boot. He delivered a flawless kicking display by succeeding with four conversions and three penalty goals for a personal contribution of 17 points.

Hardworking No 7 Ruan Venter grabbed two tries, while inside centre Suleiman Hartzenberg, left wing Imad Khan and reserve hooker Lukhanyo Vokozela were the other try scorers.

The only blemish in a very good South African display was the yellow card for front-ranker Juann Else, while influential No 8 Cameron Hanekom had to leave the field early because of an injury, with Louw Nel taking over his duties at the back of the scrum.

The French played some enterprising rugby , but they were made to work hard to keep the South Africans at bay, who used their set piece and kicking game to good effect.

The bonus-point win over France secured Bafana Nhleko’s charges top spot in their group to set up a playoff match with the Pool B winners of the clash between Wales and Italy on Wednesday for the right to be crowned Summer Series champions.