USA deny Springbok Women historic series win
MATCH REPORT: The Springbok Women missed out on a series victory after suffering a 19-26 defeat to the USA at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
The hosts struggled to find their rhythm throughout the contest and were second best in most facets of the game as the USA produced a much-improved performance to level the two-Test series.
*To recap all the action CLICK HERE!!!
The visitors outscored the Springbok Women four tries to three, bouncing back impressively from last weekend’s 34-21 defeat at Ellis Park to earn a deserved victory in Pretoria.
It was a frantic start at Loftus Versfeld, with both teams showing plenty of attacking intent.
The USA created the first opportunity with a line-out inside the Springbok Women’s 22. They were then awarded a penalty, but the flyhalf Kristin Bitter failed to find touch.
Undeterred, the visitors earned another line-out deep inside the Bok Women’s five-metre area. However, the hooker Kathryn Treder failed to find her jumper, allowing the hosts to survive another early scare.
The Springbok Women battled to gain a foothold in the opening exchanges, with the set-piece failing to function as the USA piled on the pressure.
The visitors returned to the red zone soon afterwards but squandered another promising attacking platform with an overthrown line-out, presenting the Boks with a chance to counter. However, Ayanda Malinga was unable to hold onto the ball.
The USA eventually turned their dominance into points. After patiently working through multiple phases, Hope Rogers crashed over from close range before centre Bella Vogel added the conversion to hand the visitors a 7-0 lead.
The Springbok Women responded almost immediately. Alisha Arries showcased her blistering pace and dazzling footwork, beating several defenders before diving over for a superb individual try. Jakkie Cilliers converted to level the scores.
The USA regained the advantage shortly afterwards when Rogers powered over from the back of a driving maul for her second try of the afternoon.
The hosts once again fought back. Following sustained pressure and a series of attacking phases, hooker Micke Gunter crossed in the corner. Cilliers was unable to add the extras from the touchline.
Despite enjoying much of the territory and possession, the USA were unable to extend their advantage before half-time as determined defence from the Springbok Women forced errors at crucial moments. The visitors nevertheless carried a narrow 14-12 lead into the break.
The USA started the second half with real purpose, and Telesi Uhatafe produced a moment of individual brilliance, slicing through the defence to score a superb try and stretch the lead to 21-12.
The Springbok Women’s task became even tougher when Logan Welman was shown a yellow card for repeated infringements.
The hosts continued to struggle at the breakdown and battled to build any sustained momentum.
And it would USA who extended the lead. After initially having a try ruled out, Uhatafe eventually grabbed her second of the match. She reacted quickest to a loose ball before racing away and beating two defenders to score.
Bulls Daisies back Malinga gave the Springbok Women hope when the wing-turned-centre crossed for her side’s third try. Cilliers converted to reduce the deficit.
The hosts continued to chase an equaliser in the closing stages but were unable to generate the momentum needed to trouble the USA defence, as the visitors held on for a deserved victory.
Player of the Match: Hope Rogers was immense for the USA. The powerful prop carried relentlessly, dominated the collisions, and capped an outstanding performance with two well-taken tries. Georgie Perris-Redding was outstanding at the breakdown, while Telesi Uhatafe’s two-try display lit up the second half, but Rogers’ all-round influence earns her the nod.
The scorers:
For South Africa:
Tries: Arries, Gunter, Malinga
Cons: Cilliers 2
For USA:
Tries: Rogers 2, Uhatafe 2
Cons: Vogel 3
Yellow card: Logan Welman (South Africa, 48 – multiple infringements)
Teams:
South Africa Women: 15 Eloise Webb, 14 Jakkie Cilliers, 13 Ayanda Malinga, 12 Aphiwe Ngwevu, 11 Alichia Arries, 10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg, 9 Unam Tose, 8 Logan Welman, 7 Catha Jacobs, 6 Sizophila Solontsi, 5 Danelle Lochner, 4 Vainah Ubisi, 3 Babalwa Latsha (captain), 2 Micke Gunter, 1 Sanelisiwe Charlie.
Replacements: 16 Anushka Groenewald, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 19 Nomsa Mokwai, 20 Lerato Makua, 21 Sinelitha Noxeke, 22 Anacadia Minnaar, 23 Maceala Samboya.
USA: 15 Ashley Cowdrey, 14 Bulou Mataitoga, 13 Tessa Hann, 12 Bella Vogel, 11 Telesi Uhatafe, 10 Kristin Bitter, 9 Olivia Ortiz, 8 Freda Tafuna, 7 Georgie Perris-Redding (Captain), 6 Hann Humpreys, 5 Hallie Taufoou, 4 Emerson Allen, 3 Elizabeth Cook, 2 Kathryn Treder, 1 Hope Rogers.
Replacements: 16 Chloe Hill-Huse, 17 Alivia Leatherman, 18 Reece Woods, 19 Rachel Ehrecke, 20 Kapoina Bailey, 21 Taina Tukuafu, 22 Katana Howard, 23 Alex Kelter.
Referee: Zoe Naude
Assistant referees: Giana Viljoen & Angie Bezuidenhout
TMO: Quinton Immelman
