Springbok Women survive late rally from Kenya to maintain unbeaten run at Rugby Africa Cup

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Aphiwe Ngwevu Springbok Women centre Aphiwe Ngwevu scores the opening try against Kenya on Wednesday. Photo: Rugby Africa
Image: Rugby Africa
The Springbok Women's poor ball retention almost came back to bite them as they survived a late onslaught to hold off the Kenya Lionesses 19-12 in their Rugby Africa Women's Cup clash at the Stade Makis in Antananarivo, Madagascar on Wednesday.
The South Africans – who thrashed Uganda 62-7 in their tournament opener – were dominant in the opening 40 minutes, but could only muster 12 points from two tries and a conversion.
The Bok Women, who are using the tournament as preparation for the World Cup in September, got stuck into the Kenyans from the start.
The forwards, with the likes of tighthead prop Nombuyekezo Mdliki, captain and lock Anathi Qolo and hooker Luchell Hanekom prominent, made serious inroads on attack with their strong carries, and they were backed up by backs such as wing Patience Mokone and fullback Byrhandré Dolf.
But the Bok Women battled to finish off a number of attacking moves, with their handling letting them down as they either lost possession or conceded breakdown turnover or penalty at crucial times inside the Kenyan 22.
That trend continued in the second half, and despite enjoying a healthy advantage in the scrums and playing with great physicality, SA were met with courageous defence by the determined Kenyans.
The Bok Women started off well enough, with powerful centre Aphiwe Ngwevu charging over from close range after a clever inside pass from flyhalf Mary Zulu.
But the South Africans had to wait until the 35th minute to add to their tally, when red-haired wing Mokone's dazzling run was finished off by flank Lerato Makua.
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The defending champions never looked in any danger of losing the game despite their frustrating time on attack, and replacement loose forward Nobuhle Mjwara's touchdown with less than 15 minutes to go seemed to seal the victory.
But Kenya never gave up, and two late tries led to a thrilling finish.
Wing Freshia Awino got the East Africans on the scoreboard with good pace down the left flank, and a few minutes later, replacement prop Noleen Khaleyi dived over after a stunning counter-attack from inside their own half.
Suddenly it was 19-12 with five minutes to go, and the South Africans looked like they had lost their grip on the encounter.
But the Bok Women managed to close out the game without any further drama.
Assistant coaches Bafana Nhleko and Franzel September – who are managing the team in this event in the absence of head coach Swys de Bruin – will hope to see the players be much more decisive with ball-in-hand in their third match against hosts Madagascar on Sunday (2pm SA time start) in what is sure to be in front of a partisan home crowd.
Points-Scorers
Springbok Women 19 – Tries: Aphiwe Ngwevu, Lerato Makua, Nobuhle Mjwara. Conversions: Mary Zulu (2).
Kenya Lionesses 12 – Tries: Freshia Awino, Noleen Khaleyi. Conversion: Sinaida Nyachio (1).