The Springbok Women’s Rugby team showcased their prowess in a stellar performance, securing their position in the upcoming WXV2 league with a resounding triumph over Samoa. With a commanding lead of 26-0 at halftime, the South Africans sealed their first victory in the competition with a final score of 33-7, marking a significant milestone for the team’s journey.
The #BokWomen finished #WXV with a flourish against Samoa in Cape Town on Friday - match report: https://t.co/9xvqvN6Xde 💪#MakeItCount pic.twitter.com/0DV1zY3JPP
— SA Women's Rugby (@WomenBoks) October 27, 2023
Coach Koen optimistic about future
In a post-match review, head coach Louis Koen expressed his optimism for the team’s future, citing the impressive display against formidable top-10-ranked opponents. “The first half against Samoa demonstrated the true capabilities of our team, an accomplishment that deeply resonates with our group and coaching staff,” remarked Koen, acknowledging the team’s remarkable progress.
While the latter half of the game witnessed a slight decline in performance, the Springbok Women’s unwavering determination propelled them to secure a coveted spot among the top four contenders in the competition. Koen emphasized the profound impact of this achievement, highlighting how the result serves as a catalyst for bolstering the team’s confidence and laying out a clear roadmap for their future endeavors.
Janse Van Rensburg got South Africa out of starting blocks early
South African Flyhalf, Libbie Janse Van Rensburg, spearheaded an impressive start for South Africa in the highly anticipated encounter against Samoa. Within a mere six minutes, her remarkable breakthrough of the Samoan defense culminated in an outstanding try, elevating South Africa to an early 7-0 lead following her successful conversion.
Continuing to apply relentless pressure, South Africa’s persistent offensive tactics caused notable fissures in Samoa’s defensive line, with the agile South African #8, Catha Jacobs, capitalizing on an opportune gap to score in the corner, extending the lead to 12-0 within just 12 minutes of gameplay.
Easy as you like🔥#WXV | #RSAvSAM pic.twitter.com/4BRjSMZPWO
— WXV (@WXVRugby) October 27, 2023
Maintaining their offensive momentum, the South African front row orchestrated a powerful Rolling maul, leading to a pivotal moment of individual brilliance from Janse Van Rensburg. Executing a swift chip over the Somoan defense, she adeptly collected her own kick and forcefully crossed the try line despite the valiant efforts of several Samoan defenders. Janse Van Rensburg’s subsequent conversion further solidified the Springboks’ commanding lead, setting the score at 19-0.
Shortly before halftime, a dazzling display of footwork by South African inside center allowed Lusanda Dumke to seize an opportunity, swiftly gathering the ball and charging over the line for South Africa’s fourth try. Janse Van Rensburg’s precise conversion further bolstered South Africa’s dominant position, with the scoreboard reading 26-0 at the break.
More Docile 2nd half, but the Boks finished in style
The second half saw a more subdued pace, interrupted momentarily as Samoa’s Lulu Leuta received a yellow card in the 66th minute for a dangerous tackle. Despite the numerical advantage, South Africa couldn’t capitalize, allowing Samoa to break their silence on the scoreboard. Exploiting a quick penalty take, the Samoan scrumhalf caught the South African defense off guard, paving the way for captain Sui Pauaraisa to breach the gap and score under the poles, bringing the score to 26-7.
In the final minutes, an opportune overlap on the left-hand side presented Janse van Rensburg with her third try, as the Samoan defense struggled to compensate for their numerical deficit. Her quick-footed finesse secured her hat-trick, sealing South Africa’s WXV2 campaign with a resounding 33-7 victory. Undoubtedly, Libbie Janse Van Rensburg emerged as the player of the match, with her exceptional performance, comprising three tries and four conversions.
Louis Koen on #BokWomen's victory over Samoa: "It will give us massive confidence and a roadmap for the way ahead" - more here: https://t.co/Ln6Lnz3EBy 👍#MakeItCount pic.twitter.com/D9uB8NzbCi
— SA Women's Rugby (@WomenBoks) October 27, 2023
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