The Springbok Women’s Sevens team overcame Kenya 19-10 in a hard-fought final of the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens to retain their continental crown and qualify for the World Rugby Challenger Series played at the University of Ghana Rugby Stadium in Accra on Sunday, 10 November, 2024.
It was a hard-fought win as two Kenya tries – early in each half, twice handed the East African the lead, while the Springbok Women also conceded two yellow cards in the final, adding to their problems early on.
Kenya scored first in the final to take the lead after only two minutes, not only the first points conceded by South Africa in the tournament, but also the first time they trailed in six matches played. A try by Ayanda Malinga levelled matters, but the outside back then conceded a yellow card for a high tackle late in the first half.
Kenya used that advantage at the start of the second half, getting a second try to take the lead again, but the class of the South Africans came through in the end. Felica Jacobs showed her value as impact player with two tries in the last five minutes, with the second, on the buzzer extending a 12-10 lead to a 19-10 win.
The Bok Women Sevens were slow out of the blocks against Madagascar in the semifinal, with the islanders managing to keep South Africa away from their try line for four minutes. A try by Nadine Roos and another by Mathrin Simmers, following a quick penalty tap, opened up a 14-0 lead at the break.
The second half was one way traffic though. Roos scored twice to claim a hat-trick, and two more by Felicia Jacobs and Maria Tshiremba pushed the score past 40. Roos converted all six tries.
In their quarterfinal clash against Senegal, the South Africans delivered a commanding performance and dominated possession and territory. They scored eight tries, four in each half, with Ayanda Malinga, Liske Lategan and Felicia Jacobs all getting a brace. The second try by Jacobs was an absolute gem, with two steps off her right foot and good acceleration stunning at least five would-be defenders.
Springbok Women’s Results at Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens on Sunday, 10 November, 2024
South Africa 50 (31), Senegal 0 (0)
SA – Tries: Ayanda Malinga (2), Liske Lategan (2), Nadine Roos, Leigh Fortuin, Felicia Jacobs (2)
Conversions: Nadine Roos (4), Zintle Mpupha
South Africa 42 (14), Madagascar 0 (0)
SA – Tries: Nadine Roos (3), Mathrin Simmers, Felicia Jacobs, Maria Tshiremba
Conversions: Roos (6)
South Africa 19 (5), Kenya 10 (5)
SA – Tries: Ayanda Malinga, Alicia Jacobs (2)
Conversions: Nadine Roos (2)
Results of the Springbok Women’s Sevens Pool A Fixtures on Saturday, 9 November, 2024
12h50: South Africa 38 (19) – 0 (0) Burkina Faso
15h34: South Africa 36 (17) – 0 (0) Zimbabwe
18h18: South Africa 40 (28) – 0 (0) Tunisia
Scorers
South Africa 50 (31), Senegal 0 (0)
SA – Tries: Ayanda Malinga (2), Liske Lategan (2), Nadine Roos, Leigh Fortuin, Felicia Jacobs (2)
Conversions: Nadine Roos (4), Zintle Mpupha
South Africa 42 (14), Madagascar 0 (0)
SA – Tries: Nadine Roos (3), Mathrin Simmers, Felicia Jacobs, Maria Tshiremba
Conversions: Roos (6)
South Africa 19 (5), Kenya 10 (5)
SA – Tries: Ayanda Malinga, Alicia Jacobs (2)
Conversions: Nadine Roos (2)
Springbok Women’s Sevens Squad for Rugby Africa’s Women’s Sevens in Accra, Ghana
Leigh Fortuin *
Kemisetso Baloyi
Ayanda Malinga
Zintle Mpupha
Nompumelelo Mathe *
Felicia Jacobs
Maria Tshiremba
Shiniqwa Lamprecht
Nadine Roos
Mathrin Simmers (captain)
Zandile Masuku
Liske Lategan
* Uncapped
Original Copy: SA Rugby Communications, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: The Springbok Women’s Sevens have beaten key competitors Kenya to defend their Rugby Africa’s Women’s Sevens title in Accra, Ghana on Day 2 on Sunday, 10 November, 2024. All Images and Photos: Rugby Afrique
Photo 2 Caption: Madagascar were the most persistent in defence, keeping the Boks away from their scoreline for the first 4 minutes of their encounter.
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