WALES Under-18s team manager Kevin George insists his young charges gained a huge amount from playing their powerful South African counterparts.

The Welsh young guns lost 40-15 in George on Tuesday, conceding four tries to two, and George believes it was a huge learning curve.

"South Africa out-powered us from the off and two early tries were given after the referee referred to the TMO," he said.

Dan Jones slotted a penalty but South Africa were on the score board with a further try and three penalties before the break, taking the half time score to 26-3.

The second half was no better, the hosts notching two more converted tries before Wales scored through centre Owen Watkin and flanker Josh Middleton, the first converted by Jones.

"Our performance was marred by inaccuracy," added George. "We created overlaps but failed to capitalise, we hardly got out of our half in the second half and we handed South Africa opportunities to attack.

"However, the match gave the boys a vital taste of what is required in order to compete at this level.

"There were some positives to take from the game, our defence was again impressive, and our replacements made an impact when they came on.

"We will go back and work hard now before our final game of this tournament, against France on Saturday (in Stellenbosch).

Wales Under-18s were beaten 24-21 by England after conceding a late penalty in the tournament opener.