Capping a much improved campaign with back-to-back wins, the Springbok Women’s Sevens beat Brazil 19-12 to finish ninth at the second tournament of the HSBC SVNS World Championship at Estadio José Zorrilla, Valladolid, Spain, on Sunday, 31 May 2026.
Following Saturday’s victory over Argentina, the ninth-place finish gave the Springbok Women’s Sevens two successive wins to close the tournament and lifted the squad past Argentina and Great Britain into 10th on the overall log, with the third and final tournament of the series in Bordeaux next weekend offering one more opportunity to push for a top-eight finish.
Encouraging performances in pool play against Australia, USA and Fiji showed what the Springbok Women’s Sevens are capable of, with the squad arriving at the second of three HSBC SVNS World Championship tournaments much better prepared than they had been for Hong Kong.
Against Brazil, who came into the match ninth on the standings, the South Africans looked hungry on defence and dominated their opponents’ attack despite conceding an early try.
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A handling error allowed Brazil to snatch possession and score under the sticks, and the conversion gave them a 7-0 lead. Byrhandré Dolf had to leave the field with an injury moments later.
The setback invigorated the South African effort. Solid defence forced Brazil backwards, where another handling error handed possession back to South Africa.
Ayanda Malinga almost broke through the defence, but the ball was turned over and the opportunity lost. On the halftime buzzer, however, Malinga forced her way over in the corner for a well-deserved try.
Trailing 7-5, the second half showcased 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 Springbok Women’s Sevens took a 12-7 lead.
The pressing defence continued and Brazil were on the back foot but still in the hunt. A brilliant break by captain Zintle Mpupha then sealed the result as she scored under the sticks after breaking clear of the Brazilian defence. Webb converted for a 19-7 lead.
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In the final play of the match, Maria Tshiremba received a yellow card for a dangerous tackle, and Brazil scored a late try, but the win in the bag was a great reward for the Springbok Women’s Sevens’ performance in Valladolid.
Springbok Women’s Sevens Day 3 Result at the HSBC SVNS World Championship, Estadio José Zorrilla, Valladolid, Spain, on Sunday, 31 May 2026
South Africa 19 (5) – Brazil 12 (7)
South Africa: Tries: Ayanda Malinga, Maceala Samboya, Zintle Mpupha
Conversions: Eloise Webb (2)
Brazil Tries: Yasmim Soares, Camilla Carvalho
Conversion: Gisele Gomes Dos Santos
Springbok Women’s Sevens Results on Day 2
South Africa 12 (5) – Fiji 17 (12)
South Africa: Tries: Byrhandré Dolf, Maria Tshiremba
Conversion: Dolf
Fiji: Tries: Atelaite Buna Ralivanawa, Rogosau Adimereani, Reapi Ulunisau
Conversion: Mariana Talatoka
South Africa 19 (12) – Argentina 17 (5)
South Africa: Tries: Ayanda Malinga, Eloise Webb, Zintle Mpupha
Conversions: Byrhandré Dolf (2)
Argentina: Tries: Sofía González (2), Marianela Escalante
Conversion: González
Springbok Women’s Sevens Results on Day 1
South Africa 12 (7) – Australia 26 (26)
South Africa: Tries: Maria Tshiremba, Eloise Webb
Conversion: Byrhandré Dolf
Australia: Tries: Madison Ashby, Maddison Levi (3)
Conversions: Teagan Levi, Kahli Henwood (2)
South Africa 12 (7) – USA 26 (14)
South Africa: Tries: Ayanda Malinga, Byrhandré Dolf
Conversion: Dolf
USA: Tries: Kaylen Thomas (2), Su Adegoke, Ariana Ramsey
Conversions: Sariah Ibarra (2), Kayla Canett
Springbok Women’s Sevens Squad for Valladolid
3. Patience Mokone, uncapped
4. Zintle Mpupha (captain), 13 tournaments, 65 points (13 tries)
7. Maria Tshiremba, 7 tournaments, 70 points (14 tries)
10. Byrhandré Dolf, 4 tournaments, 8 points (4 conversions)
15. Vianca Boer, uncapped
16. Shiniqwa Lamprecht, 9 tournaments, 0 points
20. Catha Jacobs, 2 tournaments, 0 points
21. Jané Mulder, 1 tournament, 0 points
22. Owami Mohuli, 1 tournament, 0 points
23. Ayanda Malinga, 9 tournaments, 70 points (14 tries)
26. Lerato Makua, 2 tournaments, 5 points (one try)
27. Maceala Samboya, 1 tournament, 0 points
30. Eloise Webb, 10 tournaments, 7 points (1 try, 1 conversion)
Original Copy: SA Rugby Communications, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: Lerato Makua drives hard into the Fiji defence during the Springbok Women’s Sevens’ final Pool B clash at the HSBC SVNS World Championship at Estadio José Zorrilla in Valladolid, Spain, on Saturday, 30 May 2026. Photo: Supplied Photo: Gallo Images / SA Rugby
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