Afrika applauds fighting spirit in Valladolid

The Springbok Women's Sevens continued their upward trajectory at the HSBC SVNS Valladolid on Sunday by beating Brazil 19-12 to finish ninth overall and following their win over Argentina on Saturday afternoon, ended the tournament with two successive victories.

Encouraging performances in pool play against Australia, USA and Fiji showed what the Bok Women are capable of as they clearly came into the second of three HSBC SVNS World Championship tournaments much better prepared.

Their improved standing on the overall log, where they moved past Argentina and Great Britain into 10th, might not be enough to finish in the top eight but if they continue these performances in Bordeaux next weekend, a miracle of sorts is possible.

Against Brazil, who were ninth on the standings coming into the match, the South Africans looked hungry on defence and despite conceding an early try, dominated their opponents’ attack.

A handling error allowed Brazil to snatch possession to score a try under the sticks, with the conversion giving them a 7-0 lead. Unfortunately, Byrhandré Dolf had to leave the field with an injury at the same time.

That setback just invigorated the South African effort. Solid defence forced Brazil backwards as they had to attack from deeper all the time, where a handling error handed South Africa the possession they were after.

Ayanda Malinga almost broke through the defence but the ball was turned over and an opportunity lost. However, on the half-time buzzer, Malinga was worked over in the corner for a well-deserved try.

Trailing 7-5, the second half showed the South Africans’ hunger to win the game.

Maceala Samboya scored her first try at this level of sevens after running onto a delightful kick from Eloise Webb. The try, under the uprights, was converted and the Bok Women took a 12-7 lead.

The pressing defence continued and Brazil was on the back foot all the time, but still in the hunt for a win. However, a brilliant break by SA captain Zintle Mpupha sealed the deal and she scored under the sticks after breaking clear from the Brazil defence. Webb converted for a 19-7 lead.

In the final play of the match, Maria Tshiremba was yellow carded for a dangerous tackle, and Brazil scored a late try, but the win in the bag was a great reward for the South African performance.

Coach Cecil Afrika applauded the effort from his team at the HSBC SVNS Valladolid and said he is confident that they will keep improving in France next weekend, when the World Championship concludes in Bordeaux.

“It was pleasing to finish with wins over Argentina and Brazil and coming so close against Fiji,” said Afrika.

“We want to be in playing amongst the top eight sides and there is no reason why we cannot keep improving next weekend.”

Their improvement from 12th position in Hong Kong, where injuries had a huge impact on their preparations, was a good reward for the squad, who worked hard at their Stellenbosch base before arriving in Spain.

“We improved due to having time together on the training field and the squad becoming a tight knit group,” said Afrika.

“We act out the principle of caring and that showed here this weekend. We care about each other, and we care about the jersey, and those elements came though on the weekend.

“We are still making silly mistakes and errors of judgement but lots of lessons were learned. We should learn from those and come back stronger.”

The SA coach is awaiting medical updates on Dolf and Lerato Makua and with Shanidené Bezuidenhout also out, he could opt to fly in replacements from South Africa.

“Lerato did not play on Sunday and Dolf left the field against Brazil, so we will have to wait on those options,” he said. “The good news is that Shanidené is recovering following surgery.”

Afrika said the benefit of growing experience at this level will not only help the likes of Jané Mulder but other players on their first year on the circuit as well: “Yes, she did well as a debutant so far – maybe too eager at times, but that is how they learn.

“We have grown nicely as a group and it showed what was achieved back in Stellenbosch. We are going to France with the knowledge that we are on an upward curve.”

South Africa 19 (5) – Tries: Ayanda Malinga, Maceala Samboya, Zintle Mpupha. Conversions: Eloise Webb (2).

Brazil 12 (7) – Tries: Yasmim Soares, Camilla Carvalho. Conversions: Gisele Gomes Dos Santos (2).