The Springbok Women impressed with heart and power but suffered a narrow 34–26 defeat to the Black Ferns XV in Cape Town.
STRONG START PAVE THE WAY FOR BLACK FERNS XV
The Black Ferns XV struck early when Mererangi Paul broke through to score in the second minute at Athlone Stadium on Saturday.
South Africa responded with fire, and Anathi Qolo nearly scored before a turnover handed momentum back to the dangerous visitors. Moments later, Babalwa Latsha and Aseza Hele powered forward, gaining metres and setting up strong attacking platforms in the opposition’s 22.
South Africa’s scrum dominance showed as they won a heel against the head and mauled brilliantly to set up Hele’s opening try. Jakkie Cilliers converted cleanly, and the Springbok Women took a confident 7–5 lead after ten physical, back-and-forth opening minutes.
The Black Ferns XV hit back, capitalising on South African ill-discipline as Vainah Ubisi received a yellow for repeated infringements. Kelsey Teneti finished a slick backline move and moments later intercepted a pass to race in for another unconverted try.
Hele once again used the maul to her advantage, dotting down to reduce the deficit to 15–12 in an intense half.
Teneti completed her brace before halftime as Eloise Webb’s yellow card left South Africa with only 13 defenders on the field. A try-saving obstruction call denied the visitors before halftime, but they still entered the break leading 20–12 after missed conversions.
COMMENDABLE SECOND HALF FIGHTBACK NOT ENOUGH FOR SPRINGBOK WOMEN
In the second half, Hollyrae Mete-Renata extended the lead following relentless pressure close to the Springbok Women’s tryline.
Teneti punished a midfield blunder to grab her hat-trick, stretching the margin to 34–12 with twenty minutes remaining.
Captain Latsha powered over next, Cilliers added the extras, and South Africa surged back into the game with renewed confidence. After sustained dominance, Catha Jacobs was held up before Nombuyekezo Mdliki finally scored, closing the gap to eight with minutes left.
Despite relentless late attacks from stars like Nadine Roos and Hele, South Africa ran out of time to complete the comeback.
ARE YOU EXCITED BY AND PROUD OF THE SPRINGBOK WOMEN’S PROGRESS?
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