The South African pack monstered their Spanish opponents and laid the foundation for a masterclass in forward physicality as the Springbok Women beat Spain by 36-19 in cold and blustery conditions in Cape Town on Thursday afternoon, 19 September, 2024.
There were positives galore for Springbok Women in their rampant win over Spain, following on the heels of the Bok Women’s debut win over the Barbarians in their previous outing, and setting the perfect tone for WXV 2, starting in eight days’ time in the Mother City.
Swys de Bruin, the team’s Performance Coach, praised the defensive attitude and attacking prowess of the Springbok Women, hailing the display as another step forward in the preparations towards the WXV 2 and next year’s Rugby World Cup.
De Bruin was pleased with the way the side defended in the opening quarter of the match when Spain came hard and fast at the Springbok Women, and in the last ten minutes, when the opponents produced waves of concerted attack once again.
“You have to give credit to Spain who really never stopped trying, and really tested us in many areas,” said De Bruyn, “I cannot fault our team for their effort on defence. What I am also very proud of on attack was the way we used our opportunities.
“People might not realise how tough the conditions were, with a swirling wind really affecting the handling for both sides. We made some errors due to that, but I cannot fault this team for effort.
“I’m very happy with the result. We are still growing in many areas and I would have loved for us not to concede that very late try, but Spain showed their determination to score. Overall, it was a great game to showcase the women’s game.”
Springbok Women Performance Coach, Swys de Bruin
De Bruin said the impact of the work done by the assistant coaches was clear to see. “They are top class and I’m pleased to have them. Their contributions are clear to see.”
Player of the Match, Aseza Hele, said the award was thanks to a team effort. “We play like we train and I can attest to our training sessions being very tough.
“We push each other hard, but once on the field, we play for each other, our jersey and our country. The effort out there was real and it was great to have some really passionate supporters in the stadium as well,”
Player of the Match, Springbok Women no. 8, Aseza Hele
“The Spanish team certainly gave us some food for thought, but we will work on our mistakes and get ready for our first game in the WXV 2 against Japan.”
Nadine Roos said the team was finding its feet nicely, and she was excited about the prospects of being tested by Japan, Australia and Italy in the next three weeks.
“We made some mistakes which we can learn from, but also showed some very good phases of play and we will get confidence from that,” she said.
“The crowd support was great and we really hope we can see more of that next Friday when we come back to DHL Stadium to play Japan in our opening match.”
Springbok Women 36 – 19 Spain
Scorers
Springbok Women 36 (12)
Tries: Aseza Hele, Lindelwa Gwala (2), Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Vainah Ubisi, Shaunique Hess
Conversions: Jakkie Cilliers (3)
Spain 19 (7)
Tries: Amalia Argudo, Martina Marquez, Zahía Perez
Conversions: Argudo, Naroa Azpitarte
Springbok Women to face Spain in Cape Town
15. Libbie Janse van Rensburg (Bulls Daisies) – 22 caps, 199 points (10 tries, 55 conversions, 12 penalty goals, 1 drop goal)
14. Jakkie Cilliers (Bulls Daisies) – 13 caps, 68 points (7 tries, 12 conversions, 3 penalty goals)
13. Eloise Webb (Border Ladies) – 10 Tests, 30 points (6 tries)
12. Chumisa Qawe (Bulls Daisies) – 15 Tests, 15 points (3 tries)
11. Shaunique Hess (DHL Western Province) – 5 caps, 10 points (2 tries)
10. Nadine Roos (unattached) – 11 caps, 25 points (5 tries)
9. Tayla Kinsey (Sharks Women) – 35 caps, 48 points (2 tries, 16 conversions, 2 penalty goals)
8. Aseza Hele (Sanlam Boland Dames) – 21 caps, 40 points (8 tries)
7. Sinazo Mcatshulwa (DHL Western Province) – 31 caps, 45 points (9 tries)
6. Sizophila Solontsi (Bulls Daisies) – 21 caps, 40 points (8 tries)
5. Vainah Ubisi (Bulls Daisies) – 14 caps, 10 points (2 tries)
4. Nolusindiso Booi (captain, DHL Western Province) – 45 caps, 10 points (2 tries)
3. Azisa Mkiva (DHL Western Province) – 9 caps, 0 points
2. Lindelwa Gwala (Ealing Trailfinders Women) – 32 caps, 60 points (12 tries)
1. Sanelisiwe Charlie (Bulls Daisies) – 18 caps, 5 points (1 try)
Replacements
16. Roseline Botes (DHL Western Province) – 19 caps, 45 points (9 tries)
17. Yonela Ngxingolo (Bulls Daisies) – 28 caps, 10 points (2 tries)
18. Babalwa Latsha (Harlequins Women) – 29 caps, 25 points (5 tries)
19. Danelle Lochner (Harlequins Women) – 12 caps, 10 points (2 tries)
20. Catha Jacobs (Leicester Tigers Women) – 15 caps, 5 points (1 try)
21. Felicia Jacobs (Sanlam Boland Dames) – 5 Tests, 5 points (1 try)
22. Zintle Mpupha (Bulls Daisies) – 20 Tests, 101 points (19 tries, 3 conversions)
23. Aphiwe Ngwevu (Border Ladies) – 22 tests, 40 points (8 tries)
Pre-WXV Match Schedule at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town
Saturday 7 September: Springbok Women 59 – 17 Barbarians
Thursday, 19 September: Springbok Women 36 – 19 Spain
Original Copy: SA Rugby Communications, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: Try scorer and Player of the Match Aseza Hele drives the home effort. The SA pack monstered their Spanish opponents and laid the foundation for a masterclass in forward physicality as the Springbok Women beat Spain by 36-19 in cold and blustery conditions in Cape Town on Thursday afternoon, 19 September, 2024. Photo: SA Rugby / Gallo Images
Graphic Caption: The Bok Women start their WXV 2 campaign with two solid wins under the belt, after the earlier landmark win over the Barbarians. Photo: SA Rugby / Gallo Images
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