ATHLONE STADIUM – Australia have overpowered South Africa by 33-26 in the WXV 2 clash at Athlone Stadium on Saturday.
Springbok Women started the game on fire putting up much needed pressure to the Wallaroos side but attempts for the try fell off after a turnover ball in the Aussies 5-meter yards.
However, it was in three minutes where lock forward Siokapesi Palu overpowered the Bok Women defence to score Australia’s first try, taking the score to 7-0.
It didn’t take long as the Down Under side extended their lead after outside centre Georgina Friedrichs gave Wallaroos some more confidence with the score moving to 14-0 after 8 minutes.
Unam Tose gave South Africa a hope after the scrum half blocked the Aussie kick as she dived in their try line with the score moved to 14-5 after the home side missed the conversion.
In 13 minutes, prop Eva Karpani added another try in the Wallaroos scoresheet taking the score to 21-5.
Just before the interval South Africa roared to dismantle Wallaroos scrum in the visitors 22-meter yard. Sinazo Mcatshulwa gave the home side a huge relief of hope as she scored, taking the score to 12-21 after 31 minutes. The match went to the half time break with Australia leading by 21-12.
Australia was dealt with a blow as the second half kicked off, substitute Atasi Lafai was sent out after receiving a yellow card for a high tackle to Chumisa Qawe.
Winger Desiree Miller scored Wallaroos first try of the second half as she took her side to 26-12 after 50 minutes.
Australia added another try, but it didn’t take long after Zintle Mpupha and Nolusindiso Booi gave fans something to warm them up as they scored Bok Women’s third and fourth try of the match respectively.
But in the end, it was the Wallaroos who were victorious after making two from two in the WXV2 competition.
Image: Ashley Vlotman.