VIDEO: Late USA fightback a blessing in disguise for Bok Women
The Springbok Women produced a dominant display to beat the USA 34-21 at Ellis Park on Saturday, but head coach Swys de Bruin believes his side’s late lapse could ultimately benefit them.
South Africa went into the opening Test as underdogs, missing several key players, including Nadine Roos, Aseza Hele and Sinazo Mcatshulwa.
The USA arrived in Johannesburg ranked eighth in the world and boasting victories over top-tier opposition, including Australia, in the Pacific Four Series.
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However, the Bok Women showed little sign of being second best.
Their powerful pack laid the platform for victory, dominating the collisions and set-pieces to put the visitors under relentless pressure.
Vainah Ubisi, Danelle Lochner, captain Babalwa Latsha and Catha Jacobs led the charge up front, consistently winning the physical battle.
Behind them, 20-year-old Logan Welman announced herself on the international stage with an outstanding performance, making strong carries, defending with maturity and pace, and scoring two tries.
South Africa stormed into a 29-0 half-time lead before extending their advantage to 34-0 early in the second half.
The Eagles, however, rallied late in the contest, crossing for three unanswered tries to add respectability to the scoreline.
Rather than dwelling on the late concession, De Bruin viewed it as a valuable learning opportunity.
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“The physical presence of the team in that first half was incredible. They tackled them hard and nailed them hard,” De Bruin told reporters after the match.
“It was the best first half I have experienced with this team since I joined them. They executed the plan to the tee.
“It’s a pity about that second half, but that is a good thing as well.
“Maybe I didn’t give 100 percent clarity on what I wanted on the field because I picked up that the leadership had a different system to what I had. But it’s good that these things happen because there is a lot of pressure.
“It’s something we can work on. I have to sit with the spine and the captain, and we must talk about the calling and plays.”
Despite the comfortable victory, De Bruin insists there is still plenty to refine before the teams meet again at Loftus Versfeld this Saturday.
“We have to work on finishing stronger. We have to get our protocol right for the second half.
“There were so many positives. Looking at the game holistically, I’m very happy.
“However, there is always work to do. I think we can recycle a bit better. Our cleaners were a little bit late, so it’s little technical stuff we can fix.
“I can’t ask for more from them from a physical point of view.”
The Springbok Women will remain at their training base in Sandton this week before travelling to Pretoria for the second and final Test against the USA at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
