The Springbok Women endured a horror start and never recovered as they suffered a heavy defeat to Wales in their opening WXV Global Series match at Cardiff Arms Park on Friday.
Wales cruised to a 50-19 victory after racing to a 38-5 half-time lead. The Bok Women struggled to gain a foothold and were further hampered by two yellow cards.
The hosts eventually crossed eight times to the Springbok Women’s three, with the visitors’ improved second-half performance unable to rescue them from a damaging opening 40 minutes.
Wales made their intentions clear from the outset, with centre Courtney Keight and prop Sisilia Tuipulotu crossing inside the opening 10 minutes.
The Springbok Women had an opportunity to respond when hooker Lindelwa Gwala lost possession over the tryline following a well-executed lineout maul, but scrumhalf Felicia Jacobs soon put South Africa on the scoreboard after a dominant scrum.
Fullback Byrhandré Dolf could not convert, leaving Wales 14-5 ahead. Scrumhalf Seren Lockwood then added Wales’ third try before prop Maisie Davies and hooker Kelsey Jones further exposed the visitors’ defensive weaknesses to put the hosts 31-5 ahead.
South Africa’s problems deepened when lock Danelle Lochner was shown a yellow card for a dangerous tackle, which was later upgraded to a 20-minute red card.
With the Springbok Women reduced to 14 players, Wales capitalised again through fullback Lisa Neumann to take a commanding lead into half-time.
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Tuipulotu struck again shortly after the restart to complete her double and stretch the advantage to 45-5.
South Africa finally found their rhythm as winger Maria Tshiremba finished off a promising attack before Dolf converted from the touchline.
The visitors continued to apply pressure and were rewarded when centre Maceala Samboya crossed after a break in midfield, with Dolf adding another two points to make it 45-19.
The Springbok Women threatened again but could not finish off another promising attack, and Wales put the result beyond doubt when captain Alex Callender crossed in the corner with just over 10 minutes remaining.
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South Africa will need to regroup quickly with Italy next on the schedule next Saturday.
WALES WOMEN – Tries: Courtney Keight, Sisilia Tuipulotu (2), Seren Lockwood, Maisie Davies, Kelsey Jones, Lisa Neumann, Alex Callender. Conversions: Freya Bell (5).
SPRINGBOKS WOMEN – Tries: Felicia Jacobs, Maria Tshiremba, Maceala Samboya. Conversions: Byrhandré Dolf (2).
Photo: Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images
The post Bok Women blown away by Wales appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Springbok Women endured a horror start and never really recovered as they suffered a heavy defeat to Wales in their opening WXV Global Series match at Cardiff Arms Park on Friday.
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