CAPE TOWN – The Springbok Women opened their two-Test tour to Fiji in emphatic fashion on Saturday, outplaying the Fijiana XV 55-12 at in Suva, where their pack of forwards laid the foundation for the nine-try victory.
The South Africans delivered a strong first half at HFC Bank Stadium, scoring five tries for a 27-7 lead, and then added four more in the second 40 minutes for a historic win.
Their pack of forwards delivered big time, especially in the first half, when numerous powerful pick and drives gave the Bok Women momentum which led to tries, while the backline defended stoutly to prevent any potential breakouts from the Fijian side, who are well known for their counter attacks.
The match started in rainy and blustery conditions and that suited the South African pack, who took a couple of minutes to get going. They dominated the scrums, earning a penalty from the very first one and then took that into some powerful mauling. Their lineouts were also effective and yielded at least two tries.
After some erratic passing in the opening minutes, the pack took control and after a couple of pick and drives, loosehead prop Xoliswa Khuzwayo crashed over for her first try in 13 Tests.
The try was initiated by a training field move. South Africa had a lineout option near the Fiji line, but instead of a kick to the corner, a quick tap handed them the momentum and Khuzwayo finished after some good play by her pack.
Fiji had a break-out from the restart, but a great tackle by fullback Byrhandré Dolf saved the day.
Instead, it was the Bok forwards who again added the next points, this time by tighthead prop Nombuyekezo Mdliki, who picked up a second Test try after another good pick-and-drive.
Aseza Hele, back at No 8 after a long spell on the injured list, ran well from a turnover in their own half and from the resulting play, the ball was kept alive and the reward was there. Twenty minutes in, South Africa were leading 10-0.
The Springbok Women’s backs were also finding their rhythm and almost scored a beauty from near their own line. They kept the ball alive in contact, but the bounce of the ball just beat wing Maceala Samboya with the try line in sight.
They reverted to the pack and Lindelwa Gwala, another player returning for her first appearance of the season, scored from a strong lineout drive to take the lead to 15-0 after 25 minutes.
Fiji finally got on the board two minutes later when a misdirected kick for touch handed the home side the space they thrive on. A good counter-attack resulted in a try by flyhalf Varanaise Qoro.
South Africa’s reply was instant though. From the restart, they worked their way back up the field and after some good continuity, Vainah Ubisi scored from close range. Libbie Janse van Rensburg converted for a 22-7 lead.
It became 27 in no time after another good drive from an attacking lineout, with Sizo Solontsi (flanker) scoring. Sadly, the visitors lost her industrious loose forward partner Lerato Makua due to injury just before the break, but Catha Jacobs proved a suitable substitute.
Fiji started best in the second half. Another stray kick handed them space and from the counter-attack, wing Adi Vani Buleki scored. The try was converted and at 27-12, the hosts were looking for a comeback.
A hight tackle on Jacobs by Fijian No 8 Alfreda Fisher cost the home side dearly. She was yellow carded and after review, it was upgraded to a red card.
Another trick play by South Africa bore fruit again. Fiji expected to defend a lineout, but a quick tap and barging forwards resulted in a second try to Khuzwayo. Dolf, who took over the kicking, converted for a 34-12 lead after 47 minutes.
That was extended soon after when Samboya scored from a great breakout by her backline. Lots of crisp passing, with Zintle Mpupha industrious, gave the wing a run-in. Dolf’s conversion made it 41-12 with 30 minutes to go.
Some scrappy play followed, with both sides going to the bench and the new players adapting to the pace of the game, but the visitors were not going to be scrappy for long.
Dolf scored from a good set piece attack and the ball being moved wide, and she added the extras to extend the lead to 48-12.
A final try, aptly scored by the forwards, brought 50 up, with replacement flanker Sinelitha Noxeke dotting down for her first Test try. Dolf converted for a 13-point haul in the match.
