World Championship: BlitzBok Women continue upward trajectory
DAY THREE WRAP: The Springbok Women’s Sevens made it two successive victories at the HSBC SVNS Valladolid.
The South Africans continued their upward trajectory on Sunday by beating Brazil 19-12 to finish ninth overall. It followed their win over Argentina on Saturday afternoon.
Meanwhile, Australia were crowned champions in Spain after they beat the USA 27014 in the Cup Final.
Encouraging performances in pool play against Australia, USA and Fiji showed what the Bok Women are capable of as they clearly came into the second of three HSBC SVNS World Championship tournaments much better prepared.
Their improved standing on the overall log, where they moved past Argentina and Great Britain into 10th, might not be enough to finish in the top eight, but if they continue these performances in Bordeaux next weekend, a miracle of sorts is possible.
Against Brazil, who were ninth on the standings coming into the match, the South Africans looked hungry on defence and despite conceding an early try, dominated their opponents’ attack.
A handling error allowed Brazil to snatch possession to score a try under the sticks, with the conversion giving them a 7-0 lead. Unfortunately, Byrhandré Dolf had to leave the field with an injury at the same time.
That setback just invigorated the South African effort. Solid defence forced Brazil backwards as they had to attack from deeper all the time, where a handling error handed South Africa the possession they were after.
Ayanda Malinga almost broke through the defence, but the ball was turned over and an opportunity lost. However, on the half-time buzzer, Malinga was worked over in the corner for a well-deserved try.
Trailing 5-7, the second half showed the South Africans’ hunger to win the game.
Maceala Samboya scored her first try at this level of sevens after running onto a delightful kick from Eloise Webb. The try, under the uprights, was converted and the Bok Women took a 12-7 lead.
The pressing defence continued and Brazil was on the back foot all the time, but still in the hunt for a win. However, a brilliant break by SA captain Zintle Mpupha sealed the deal and she scored under the sticks after breaking clear from the Brazil defence. Webb converted for a 19-7 lead.
In the final play of the match, Maria Tshiremba was yellow-carded for a dangerous tackle, and Brazil scored a late try, but the win in the bag was a great reward for the South African performance.
The scorers:
For South Africa:
Tries: Ayanda Malinga, Maceala Samboya, Zintle Mpupha
Cons: Eloise Webb 2
For Brazil:
Tries: Yasmim Soares, Camilla Carvalho
Cons: Gisele Gomes Dos Santos 2
Day Three Women’s results:
Cup Semifinals:
Australia 28-26 New Zealand
Canada 12-14 USA
Eleventh-place play-off:
Argentina 24-19 Great Britain
Ninth-place play-off:
South Africa 19-12 Brazil
Seventh-place play-off:
Fiji 14-5 Spain
Fifth-place play-off:
France 29-12 Japan
Third-place play-off:
New Zealand 50-14 Canada
Cup Final:
Australia 27-14 USA
