Australia U21 won the second test against SA U21 in Stellenbosch on Thursday to take a 2-0 lead in the four-match series. Although the South Africans had to be satisfied with a 0-1 loss to the Aussies in the opening game, the team and coaching staff had much to smile about after the match.
The team took giant steps forward after a somewhat nervous start in the first game, and from the start of the match, the South Africans showed that they were not to be outdone by the visitors again.
After an initial attack by Australia, South Africa started to take more control and orchestrated some good attacking play. Good passing and constructive build-up play led to South Africa having a great chance to score as early as the 6th minute, but unluckily for the SA girls, the shot was blocked by an Australian defender at the top of the circle.
Throughout the half the momentum kept shifting between South Africa and Australia with both teams having strong attacks. On the whole Australia had the better of the scoring opportunities and will be disappointed that they did not capitalize on more of their opportunities.
The visitors did finally manage to score the only goal of the match with three minutes to go in the first half, when the South African players failed to position themselves perfectly, which allowed the Australian left-half to hit a big transfer ball to the other side of the field.
Three quick passes had the South Africans further out of position and chasing, and within a blink of an eye, Australia was in the SA circle leaving only the goalkeeper Hanli Hattingh, to beat. Australia stayed composed to beat the advancing Hattingh, leaving Jill Dwyer to put the ball in the back of the net.
The second half dished up more exciting hockey as both teams continued to push in order to get the upper hand, with the home side starting well when Roxanne Turner displayed some good individual skill to penetrate the Australian circle, unfortunately the final pass going astray.
In the sixth minute of the half, SA’s pressure nearly paid dividends when they managed to get the ball in the back of the Aussie goal, only for the goal to be disallowed due to an earlier offence.
As the game continued both teams had good chances, but again Australia should have made more of their clear chances. In contrast to the first test, Australia only managed to win 5 penalty corners, another testament to a much-improved SA defensive effort.
The Aussies experimented more with attacking variations to deflectors, which they did not execute as well as their straight options, letting SA off the hook.
South Africa had much more structure in defense and attack and the players’ individual skills allowed them to execute their plans better. The South Africans were able to keep the ball for longer periods, looking much more in control and threatening to the Aussie defense.
The linking between defense and attack was assisted by a tactical change made by the SA coaching staff where they would make better use of the midfield in order to counter the Australian press and build their own attacks.
This worked well for the South Africans. In the midfield young Kelly Madson continued the Madsen tradition in the green and gold. Madsen did strong work for South Africa, especially in the first half. She exhibited excellent skill as well as good decision-making.
In attack Roxanne Turner had another good performance and she was at the head of most SA attacks. SA was also much tougher defensively. They stepped up well in defense, making good decisions and not allowing the Australians to dominate or intimidate them as they did in the first encounter.
Local player, Philippa Rabey, was one of SA’s stars in defense. While stepping up well and making telling tackles, Rabey also contributed to SA’s attacks down the right by linking up well with the midfielders and launching some attacks of her own.
Loreen Irvine’s introduction at center back also paid off. She had a solid game and showed that she is a player to watch for the future. Even though SA lost this match, there are more positives that they can take from it.
They created many scoring opportunities and played with confidence. The last five minutes of the match also again belonged to South Africa but they were just unable to convert the building pressure.
The SA U21 captain, Lisa Deetlefs, said that she was very satisfied with their performance. "Everyone stepped up today and it was a much better collective effort from us."
South African assistant coach, Adrian Carolyn, was also pleased that the tactical change that the team made paid off for them, but he realizes that they will have to be ready for something new that Australia will throw at them in the third test.
With both teams now playing good and exciting hockey, the scene is set for a good end to the series this weekend. The final two matches will be played on Saturday and Sunday at 15:30 at the Stellenbosch Astro Complex.
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