Italy secures win against South Africa in WXV2 Women’s Rugby Championship Round 2

Italy secures 2nd win with solid performance

Italy displayed an outstanding performance, securing a resounding 36-18 victory over South Africa’s women’s rugby team in an intense match at Cape Town’s Athlone Stadium yesterday. With this triumph, Italy has solidified its position alongside Scotland at the top of the table, each boasting a flawless record of two wins from two games. In contrast, South Africa finds itself at the bottom of the standings. As Samoa and Japan prepare to clash today, both teams are in pursuit of their first win, with South Africa anxiously hoping to avoid the last spot in the WXV2 group after the conclusion of Round 2.

A dominant @Federugby prevail in Cape Town 💪#ITAvRSA #WXV #WomensRugby pic.twitter.com/GFKzVn6r76
— WXV (@WXVRugby) October 20, 2023

Match overview

Italy wasted no time in making an impact, securing an early lead within the first 3 minutes with a brilliant coast-to-coast play. Sara Tounesi, the second-row dynamo, orchestrated a pivotal turnover on her own five-meter line, setting the stage for Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi’s remarkable try, showcasing Italy’s early dominance.

Despite a swift response from South Africa’s prop Latsha, who bulldozed her way over the line to level the score, Italy swiftly regained control with a try from Aura Muzzo in the corner, establishing a 14-7 lead in favor of the Italians after just 13 minutes.

South Africa faced adversity when center Veroeshka Grain received a yellow card in the 17th minute for a controversial shoulder-to-head contact. Seizing the numerical advantage, Italy capitalized on the situation, extending their lead to 19-7 following a successful conversion, leaving the Springboks with a mountain to climb. The halftime score stood at 22-10 after both sides exchanged penalties.

Red card did not help South Africa's cause

The second half commenced with another setback for South Africa, as Aseza Hele received a red card for a dangerous head-to-head collision with Italy’s Veronica Madia. Within a minute of the red card, Italy capitalized on the opportunity, further extending their lead to 29-13 through a converted try from Cittoria Vecchini.

A superb try from @WomenBoks but they face an uphill battle in #WXV2 #ITAvRSA | #WXV | #WomensRugby pic.twitter.com/wP2Mj3ZJiZ
— WXV (@WXVRugby) October 20, 2023

Despite a glimmer of hope ignited by Byrhandre Dolf’s unconverted try, bringing the score to 29-18 with 20 minutes remaining, South Africa’s hopes were dashed by the red card and injuries to both available hookers. With just six minutes left in the game, Italy sealed their triumph with another converted try, finalizing the scoreline at 36-18.

Discipline cost us

Reflecting on the game, South Africa’s captain, Babalwa Latsha, acknowledged the team’s disciplinary shortcomings and emphasized the need for improvement ahead of their upcoming match against Samoa next Friday. This crucial match could determine which team faces relegation to the WXV3 division next season. With a previous draw of 17-all in a friendly against Samoa last month, the final encounter promises to be a grueling contest.

Latsha called upon the home crowd to rally behind them for the decisive showdown, stating, “We represent the fans that come to support us, we fight for them and live for them, we hope we have inspired the young girls today to do so much more.”

Reaction from #BokWomen coach Louis Koen: "What a performance by the squad...they did not stop trying" - more here: https://t.co/eSxEDRFX9R 👍#MakeItCount #WXV #WomensRugby pic.twitter.com/YNm1KTiDJO
— SA Women's Rugby (@WomenBoks) October 20, 2023