Springbok Women Blitz Fiji in Nine-Try Masterclass

 

The Springbok Women laid a clinical foundation in the opening forty minutes, crossing the whitewash five times before weathering a brief Fijian resurgence and a soft red card to run away with the game 55-12.

South Africa wasted no time establishing dominance, breaching the Fijian defence after just nine minutes when Xoliswa Khuzwayo crossed for the opening try. Nombuyekezo Mdliki and Lindelwa Gwala quickly followed suit with tries of their own, pushing the score to 15–00 within the first quarter.

Fiji hit back in the 25th minute through a Varanaise Qoro try, converted by Litiana Vueti, but the Springbok Women quickly nullified the threat. Vainah Ubisi restored order with a converted try, and despite losing Lerato Makua to an early injury, Sizophila Solontsi crashed over just before the break to give South Africa a commanding 27–07 halftime lead.

Fiji struck early in the second half through Adi Vani Buleki to narrow the gap, but their momentum was permanently halted in the 44th minute when Alfreda Fisher was shown a soft red card.

Playing against 14 women, South Africa capitalised instantly. Khuzwayo secured her brace, and Macaela Samboya added her name to the scoresheet just minutes later, with Byrhandre Dolf converting both to push the game out of reach at 41–12.

A massive wave of tactical substitutions from both benches slowed the rhythm of the game, but the Springboks had the final say. Dolf scored and converted her own try in the 68th minute, before substitute Sinelitha Noxeke put the exclamation point on a stellar team performance with a late try to seal the 53–12 win.

Scorers
Springbok Women: Tries: Xoliswa Khuzwayo (2), Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Lindelwa Gwala, Vainah Ubisi, Sizophila Solontsi, Macaela Samboya, Byrhandre Dolf, Sinelitha Noxeke. Conversions: Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Byrhandre Dolf (3).
Fiji XV: Tries: Varanaise Qoro, Adi Vani Buleki. Conversions: Litiana Vueti.

Teams

Fidji XV: 1 Karalaini Naisewa, 2 Bitila Tawake, 3 Tiana Robanakadavu. 4 Mereoni Nakesa, 5 Karavaki Lutumaibau, 6 Nunia Daunimoala, 7 Adi Salaseini Railumu, 8 Alfreda Fisher, 9 Kolora Lomani, 10 Varanaise Qoro, 11 Rebeka Tove, 12 Ruth Raketekete, 13 Merewarita Neivoha, 14 Adi Vani Buleki, 15 Litiana Vueti. Replacements: 16 Selai Naliva, 17 Elesi Saukuru, 18 Adi Keri Lawavou, 19 Vilisi Tivalele, 20 Jade Coates, 21 Evivi Senikarivi, 22 Ivamere Nabura, 23 Aqela Raitubu.

Springbok Women: 1 Xoliswa Khuzwayo, 2 Lindelwa Gwala, 3 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 4 Vainah Ubisi, 5 Nomsa Mokwai, 6 Sizophila Solontsi, 7 Lerato Makua, 8 Aseza Hele, 9 Anacadia Minnaar, 10 Libbie Janse Van Rensburg, 11 Patience Mokone, 12 Shiniqwa Lamprecht, 13 Zintle Mpupha, 14 Macaela Samboya, 15 Byrhandre Dolf. Replacements: 16 Anushka Groenewald, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Thandile Mazwi, 19 Catha Jacobs, 20 Sinelitha Noxeke, 21 Nobuhle Mjwara, 22 Felicia Jacobs, 23 Alichia Arries.