The South Africa Springbok Women made a resounding statement at the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup opener in Madagascar, overwhelming Cameroon with a dominant 55-0 victory at Stade Makis in Antananarivo over the weekend.
Despite grappling with challenging wind conditions in the first half, the Bok Women asserted their dominance early, notching up a 19-0 lead at halftime primarily through the efforts of Lindelwa Gwala, who secured a hat-trick of tries from strong lineout drives.
The initial half was characterized by scrappy play exacerbated by swirling winds, but South Africa managed to capitalize on their set-piece superiority.
The second half witnessed a spectacular surge from the Bok Women, with Maceala Samboya’s hat-trick within a remarkable 10-minute span epitomizing their attacking prowess.
Coach Louis Koen credited the team’s persistence and adaptability, particularly praising the impact of bench players who injected fresh energy into the game.
“We built an innings in the first half, and the team deserves credit for sticking to their tasks,” remarked Koen. “The second-half effort proved the benefits of their hard work as the gaps opened up, and we could expose the tiring Cameroon defense.”
Koen acknowledged the challenges posed by the adverse weather conditions and highlighted the resilience shown by the Bok Women in overcoming early setbacks, including injuries to Aliyah Tchogna-Njamen and Samantha Els.
The coach emphasized the team’s relentless pursuit of victory, a testament to their determination and tactical execution.
“Cameroon played well in the first half, and credit to them for their performance,” added Koen. “However, with the wind subsiding and our replacements injecting fresh legs, we seized control of the game, capitalizing on strategic opportunities.”
The victory not only marked a successful start to South Africa’s Rugby Africa Women’s Cup campaign but also served as a morale-boosting triumph for a squad aiming for tournament domination.
Koen underscored the importance of maintaining momentum and minimizing errors as the Bok Women prepare for upcoming matches, including a crucial encounter against Kenya.
“We are still on track,” affirmed Koen. “The injuries will impact our planning, but we will adjust accordingly and ensure readiness for the next challenge against Kenya.”
Key players such as Rumandi Potgieter, who delivered a stellar performance at scrumhalf, and Mary Zulu, exhibiting exceptional distribution and kicking prowess, were instrumental in South Africa’s commanding victory.
Zulu’s accurate conversions, amidst tricky conditions, showcased her composure under pressure and contributed significantly to the team’s impressive scoreline.
With an emphatic start to the tournament, the Springbok Women exude optimism and determination, aiming to build on their early success and assert their dominance in the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup.
“We built an innings in the first half and the team deserve credit for the way they stuck to their tasks,” Springbok women coach Koen.
The depth of talent within the squad, coupled with a resilient team ethos, positions South Africa as a formidable contender as they strive for glory on the continental stage.
As the competition unfolds, the Bok Women remain focused on their ultimate goal of tournament triumph, drawing inspiration from their opening triumph against Cameroon and gearing up for future challenges with confidence and resolve.
The journey towards Rugby Africa Women’s Cup glory has commenced in earnest, with South Africa poised to showcase their mettle and determination in pursuit of rugby excellence.
