Debutant Maria Tshiremba scored a second-half hat-trick as the Springbok Women fought off a determined Fijiana XV to complete a 2-0 series sweep in Lautoka on Saturday.
South Africa claimed a hard-earned 29-22 victory at Churchill Park, their sixth win in seven Tests, after trailing 10-5 at half-time.
Fiji made the stronger start and opened the scoring through wing Atelaite Buna before the Bok Women’s powerful pack provided a response.
Hooker Lindelwa Gwala crossed from a driving maul for her 17th Test try, but South Africa’s task became considerably tougher when Zintle Mpupha and Anacadia Minnaar were yellow-carded in quick succession.
Fiji capitalised through Adi Vani Buleki to take a five-point advantage into the break, with the visitors doing well not to concede further points while reduced to 13 players.
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The second half belonged to Tshiremba.
The debutant finished off a sweeping attack to score her first Test try before showing her pace to collect a wayward Fijian kick and race away for her second, giving South Africa a 17-10 lead.
Fiji responded through replacement Adi Salote Nailolo, but Vainah Ubisi powered over to restore the Bok Women’s seven-point advantage.
Ivamere Rokowati’s late try reduced the deficit to 24-22 and set up a tense finish.
However, after Fiji were reduced to 14 players for deliberately knocking down a pass, South Africa attacked from the resulting penalty.
The forwards hammered away before the ball was moved wide to Tshiremba, who completed her hat-trick in the 78th minute to secure the victory and series.
FIJIANA XV – Tries: Atelaite Buna, Adi Vani Buleki, Adi Salote Nailolo, Ivamere Rokowati. Conversion: Varanaise Qoro.
SPRINGBOK WOMEN – Tries: Lindelwa Gwala, Maria Tshiremba (3), Vainah Ubisi. Conversions: Byrhandre Dolf (2).
Photo: @WomenBoks/X
The post Bok Women secure series win appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Debutant Maria Tshiremba scored a second-half hat-trick as the Springbok Women fought off a determined Fijiana XV to complete a 2-0 series sweep in Lautoka on Saturday.
The post Bok Women secure series win appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
