AUDIO: 'Those Springbok girls, they're powerful'
REACTION: Despite securing a 34–26 victory, the Black Ferns XV were pushed to their limits by a formidable Springbok Women’s side in a thrilling contest at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday.
Black Ferns XV outscored Springboks six tries to four to become the first women’s team from New Zealand to win on South African soil – a milestone moment for the women’s game.
Sevens standout Kelsey Teneti led the scoring with a hat-trick, while Mererangi Paul, Jaymie Kolose, and Hollyrae Mete-Renata also crossed the line. Kaea Nepia added two conversions to seal the result.
The Black Ferns XV dominated early proceedings, exploiting the space outwide and notching four first-half tries to take a 20-12 lead into the break.
“In the first half, we kind of had the upper hand in terms of space and time,” Black Ferns XV head coach Willie Walker told reporters at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town.
“In the second half, South Africa came out with a different game plan and really put us under the pump.
“They narrowed up their attack, and we struggled to contain that at times, but we’re really proud of our efforts defensively.”
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From a player’s perspective, Black Ferns XV flyhalf Hannah King admitted it was a very tough battle and highlighted the Springboks’ trademark strength.
“Those Springbok girls, man, they’re powerful.
“They’re hard ball carriers and once they get going, they’re very, very hard to put down,” King said.
“So yeah, they’re definitely very powerful ball runners, and we knew that we had to go low because if we took them high, there was no opportunity for us to chop them. That was a real key focus for our defence — just making sure we took them around the knees because of how powerful they are and how much of a strong ball-carrying team they are.”
The coach shared the flyhalf’s sentiments.
“We knew that’s the style of rugby that the Springbok Women play.
“They’ve got powerful ball carriers, they keep it nice and tight, and they’re just relentless at attacking the line.
“But our girls held their own, and I’m proud.”
The two teams will play their second friendly at Athlone Stadium next weekend.
