Hepher's joy at Saxons success

By Mark Stevens
18/6/2016

Ali Hepher was full of praise for his England Saxons side after they secured a 2-0 series win over South Africa A after a thrilling comeback to snatch a 26-29 win in George.

The hosts enjoyed the best of the first half action with tries from Jean-Luc du Preez and Sergeal Petersen giving them a 12-8 lead at the break, while the Saxons' score came from Tommy Taylor following a rolling maul.

South Africa A increased the pressure at the start of the second half with two quick scores from Petersen and centre Francois Venter extending the lead to 26-8.

However, the Saxons - who included Exeter Chiefs stars Don Armand, Alec Hepburn, Dave Ewers, Mitch Lees and Sam Hill in their match-day squad - fought back immediately with Taylor adding another before Matt Kvesic crossed to bring the Saxons within four points with 25 minutes still left to play.

With four minutes left, wing Christian Wade dived over following a period of huge pressure from the England pack and Danny Cipriani added the extras to give the visitors a fine victory.

A delighted Hepher said: "I am just chuffed to bits for the guys, they really put it in out there. They fought hard for each other and that is what we needed when we were in a pretty dark position.

"The character that came through just shows how much they want to play for their country."

Hepher praised the grit shown in getting back into the game: "The maul was the way to win the game and we did that. We started winning collisions and being aggressive in our defence."

He added: "It is important for their careers. They have shown positive things and have put their hand up. They need to take that forward and put that into their Premiership teams.

"They are not a long way off international rugby and it should be quite exciting for them."

England Saxons match-day 23 against South Africa A

15. Mike Haley (Sale Sharks)
14. Semesa Rokoduguni (Bath Rugby)
13. Nick Tompkins (Saracens)
12. Ollie Devoto (Bath Rugby)
11. Christian Wade (Wasps)
10. Danny Cipriani (Sale Sharks)
9. Dan Robson (Wasps)
1. Alec Hepburn (Exeter Chiefs)
2. Tommy Taylor (Sale Sharks)
3. Kieran Brookes (Northampton Saints)
4. Dave Attwood (Bath Rugby, cant)
5. Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby)
6. Dave Ewers (Exeter Chiefs)
7. Matt Kvesic (Gloucester)
8. Don Armand (Exeter Chiefs) 

16. George McGuigan (Newcastle Falcons)
17. Ross Harrison (Sale Sharks)
18. Jake Cooper-Woolley (Wasps)
19. Mitch Lees (Exeter Chiefs)
20. Sam Jones (Wasps)
21. Micky Young (Newcastle Falcons)
22. Sam Hill (Exeter Chiefs)
23. Sam James (Sale Sharks)