The Springbok Women's Sevens stumbled early in Sao Paulo on Saturday, losing their first two HSBC SVNS 2 matches in Brazil, but recovered well to end the day with a solid win over the hosting nation.
They suffered a 19-05 defeat against Spain and a 14-05 loss to Kenya before bouncing back to beat Brazil 26-12.
A spate of injuries added to the South Africans' misfortunes, but the strong finish on day one at Estadio Nicolau Alayon bodes well for Sunday's clashes against Argentina and China, to be played at 17h28 and 20h18 (SA time).
The opening match against Spain was disappointing to say the least. A revamped starting line-up struggled to get into their stride, with several system and individual errors hampering their effort, while some injuries added to their day one woes.
Most notably, Bok Women captain Nadine Roos suffered a knee injury, which did not help to a lethargic opening start at all. The South African side hardly fired a shot and never got going, while Spain took their limited scoring opportunities well.
As if the opening match was not disappointing enough, more misery followed in their second match against Kenya. Always a feisty affair, the African bragging rights moved north as Kenya scored the only try in an error-ridden first half and although Asisipho Plaatjies pulled one back 10 minutes in, a long-range effort from Freshia Oduor proved vital in the outcome of the match.
A depleted line-up then exploded into action against Brazil. Roos, Shannon-Lee Windvogel, and Simamkele Namba were all ruled out of action, while Maceala Samboya limped off early, but a crucial intervention by Ayanda Malinga saved the day for South Africa.
Malinga scored twice in quick succession and two more tries in the second half restored pride and confidence in the SA effort.
Scorers:
South Africa 5 (0), Spain 19 (5)
SA - Try: Simamkele Namba.
Spain - Tries: Maria Calvo, Maria Garcia, Abril Camacho Ruiz. Conversions: Juana Stella (2).
South Africa 5 (0), Kenya 14 (7)
SA - Try: Asisipho Plaatjies.
Kenya - Tries: Janet Okelo, Freshia Oduor. Conversions: Sinaida Nyachio (2)
South Africa 26 (14), Brazil 12 (7)
SA - Tries: Ayanda Malinga (2), Byrhandré Dolf, Liske Lategan. Conversions: Dolf (3).
Brazil - Tries: Thalia Costa, Camilla Carvalho. Conversion: Gisele Gomes Dos Santos.