The Springbok Women's Sevens ‘A’ built on their good start at the Emirates Dubai 7s on Saturday, maintaining their unbeaten record and qualifying for the International Invitational semi-finals.
The South Africans outplayed Poland 19-12 and then drew with Ireland Invitational 17-17 to stay undefeated after two wins on day one.
They will meet Brazil at 13h00 (SA time) on Sunday in one of the semi-finals, while Australia A and Ireland Invitational will clash in the other.
In their opening match on Saturday, team captain Shiniqwa Lamprecht provided an early spark with a well-taken try under the posts, which was converted for a 7-0 lead.
Another try, on the stroke of half-time by Patience Mokone, extended the lead to 12-0. Mokone had to use pace and power, and a final stretch to the line for a good reward.
Poland came back well with a converted try early in the second half, but from the restart, Byrhandré Dolf stepped past a number of defenders and ran 80m to score under the sticks. She converted her own try and at 19-7, things looked good for South Africa.
With time almost up, Poland scored a second try, but failed to convert, handing South Africa a 19-12 win.
In their second match of the day, good play by the Irish had the team in green and gold in trouble early on, and they leaked three tries before halftime.
The second half delivered much more urgency, though with three well-taken tries, one converted by Dolf, as they drew with the Irish.
SA scorers:
Springbok Women's Sevens ‘A’ 19 (12), Poland 12 (7)
SA – Tries: Shiniqwa Lamprecht, Patience Mokone, Byrhandré Dolf. Conversion: Dolf.
Springbok Women's Sevens ‘A’ 17 (0), Ireland Invitational 17 (17)
SA – Tries: Vianca Boer, Shannon-Lee Windvogel, Shiniqwa Lamprecht. Conversion: Byrhandré Dolf.