Ten-try Bok Women too strong for Uganda
Playing with the wind in their backs in the first half, the Springbok Women showed good variation in play.
The Springbok Women scored 10 tries as they kicked their Rugby Africa Women's Cup title defence off on a winning note with a 62-6 victory over Uganda on a sunny and breezy afternoon at Stade Makis in Antananarivo.
The South Africans fielded eight debutants and gave a number of fringe players valuable game time. The way in which they dismantled the Lady Cranes bodes well for the future and will make the selectors' job even tougher when they have to finalise the Rugby World Cup squad in a few weeks' time.
Playing with the wind in their backs in the first half, the Springbok Women showed good variation in play, going the direct route and then wide to keep the Ugandan defence honest. Loose forward Lerato Makua and debutants Faith Tshauke (No 8) and Patience Mokone (wing) all crossed for braces.
In control
South Africa were in control for most of the match and deservedly led 29-0 at the break, but it could have been more, with a number of unforced errors creeping into their game.
The Bok Women scored at regular intervals during the opening stanza, with Makua scoring a first-half brace, while Simamkele Namba, Byrhandré Dolf and Tshauke also crossed for tries. Mary Zulu added two conversions.
Makua went over under the uprights in the fifth minute and Namba, back from sevens duty, was worked over in the corner after good play from a strong attacking scrum six minutes later to give South Africa a 12-0 lead.
Tshauke, looking impressive at No 8, was rewarded for her strong early play with a try on debut in the 16th minute before Dolf's try, seven minutes later, also came after the Bok Women found space out side.
It took South Africa another 15 minutes before Makua crashed over for her second after the team showed great patience on attack in the Ugandan 22.
Strong start to the second half
The South Africans were out of the blocks in no time after the break as Tshauke added her second try with a strong run off the back of a scrum in the 42nd minute, and shortly thereafter the speedy Patience Mokone scored a breakaway try from her own 10m line, with Zulu converting both to make it 43-0 for the Bok Women with just over half and hour to go.
Uganda scored against the run of play when Suzan Adong intercepted and raced away, but the Bok Women were not done yet and added another XX tries to their tally, with Aphiwe Ngwevu and Sinothile Bhengu – with a try on debut – proving unstoppable at close quarters, before Mokone linked up well with her inside backs for her second five-pointer.
Uganda finished strong but failed to breach South Africa's impressive defence, with the Bok Women continuing their strong play until the 80th minute to seal a great victory.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
2 hours ago
- The Citizen
Wanderers runner completes emotional 10th Comrades in memory of his father
When Conrad Walters, of Wanderers Club, crossed the Comrades Marathon finish line on June 8, it was not just the end of a race; it was the closing of a deeply personal chapter. This was his 10th Comrades, a milestone he had worked towards for years, but one he almost missed entirely. Read more: Watch: Comrades Marathon hero helps collapsed runner finish race Earlier this year, Walters lost both his father and uncle within days of each other. The grief was heavy. Training fell away. Motivation faded. But one thing stayed with him. He had to run this one for his dad. 'I knew I wasn't in my best shape. I had not trained the way I usually do, but I could not sit this one out,' he said. It was his slowest run to date and, without question, his hardest. He battled stomach issues, muscle cramps, and moments of doubt, but he kept going. 'This was the run I am most proud of,' Walters said. 'It was not about speed; it was about heart.' Having first run Comrades in 2013, he had intended to reach his 10th race in 2023. A severe asthma attack put that on hold, but he returned in 2025, with more grit than preparation, finishing with more emotion than ever before. For Walters, Comrades is not only about the elite runners at the front. It lives in the determination of everyday South Africans who strive to balance work, family, and daily life. It is in the kindness of strangers offering water, food, and cheers along the route, and it is in the unwavering support of those waiting at the finish line.'Sometimes,' he said, 'just getting to the start is the bravest thing you can do.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
Confirmed: PSL club sell winger to Orlando Pirates
Orlando Pirates will allocate a new parking spot for Tshepang Moremi at the Rand Stadium before the new Betway Premiership season. A deal to sign Tshepang Moremi from AmaZulu is done and dusted. It was made possible by the Sharpville-born player's three goals and seven assists in 28 matches during the 2024/25 season. His club AmaZulu, affectionately called Usuthu, have confirmed that the speedy winger will wear the famous black and white colours next term. Reports: Orlando Pirates name selling price for Mofokeng 'AmaZulu FC can also confirm that an offer from Orlando Pirates FC to acquire the rights to midfielder Tshepang Moremi has been accepted,' the club announced in a statement. 'We wish Tshepang all the best as he embarks on a new chapter in his career,' the note added. DID YOU KNOW? Moremi, who hails from the same town as Relebohile Mofokeng, is the only AmaZulu footballer who played in each and every single Betway Premiership match for Usuthu last season. Kaizer Chiefs sign three South Africans and one Nigerian Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Mamelodi Sundowns fight back valiantly, but endeavour is no substitute for class
CLOSE CALL Mamelodi Sundowns' Iqraam Rayners, left, is congratulated by Teboho Mokoena after scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Group F football match against Germany's Borussia Dortmund at the TQL stadium in Cincinnati. | AFP Comment On Saturday, Mamelodi Sundowns drew first blood in their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 clash against German Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, sending shockwaves through the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. Despite their spirited performance, the South Africans ultimately succumbed to class and experience, as Dortmund secured their first win of the tournament with an eventual 4-3 scoreline in a seven-goal thriller. Sundowns capitalised on an early opportunity, surprising the German heavyweights with a well-worked goal that ignited their hopes of an upset. It was a statement moment for the South African side, but their joy was short-lived as Dortmund swiftly rallied. Dortmund, known for their attacking prowess, quickly responded to the challenge. With determination akin to their storied history in European football, the eight-time Bundesliga champions rallied back, firing in four unanswered goals to take a commanding 4-1 lead. One of the four was an own goal after Dortmund's pressure took its toll on the Sundowns rearguard. During this four-goal spell, Dortmund's domination illustrated the stark contrast between the two teams' experience at this level. Their relentless assault highlighted the skill and finesse that have become synonymous with the club, demonstrating why they are a force to be reckoned with in European football. As the match progressed, Sundowns showed unwavering resolve, refusing to back down as they sought to claw their way back into the contest. Despite Dortmund's commanding lead, the South African side mounted a response, adding two more goals to their tally. The final whistle confirmed a scoreline of 4-3, which flattered Sundowns but underscored their never-say-die attitude against a world-class opponent. While the outcome may not have been what Sundowns had hoped for, their performance stands as a testament to their capability and ambition on the global stage. The match served as a reminder of the rich tapestry of football, where sometimes the underdogs can douse the giants with a zephyr of talent and tenacity. Sundowns can reflect on this match with pride and ambition as they aim to bolster their squad and strategies for future challenges ahead. Dortmund, on the other hand, will carry this momentum into the next stage of the competition, eyeing further successes at the FIFA Club World Cup.
