The Springbok Women were comprehensively beaten 57-10 by a superior France at Franklin Gardens in Northampton on Sunday evening. France outscored the Springbok Women with nine tries to one by Nadine Roos.
Despite losing, the Springbok Women have already qualified to play in the Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter finals and will face New Zealand on Saturday, 13 September in Exeter at 14:00 (SA Time)
The first ten minutes were a brutal battle with both teams not giving or asking an inch. However, France slowly wrestled the momentum from the Springboks, and after spending an extended period in the red zone of the Springboks, France attacked with a quick tap five meters out, and eventually fullback Emilie Boulard found space to score France’s first points to lead 05-00.
Three minutes later, Byrhandré Dolf converted a penalty to cut France’s lead to just two points.
The French were dominating, using their dominant scrums to attack from. After twenty minutes of play, the French once again attacked from a scrum and centre Gaby Vernier ran a brilliant line to cut the Springboks’ defence in two, scoring an “easy” try. Lina Queyroi converted to extend France’s lead to 12-03.
Following yet another scrum, Charlotte Escudero attacked off the back of a dominant scrum to score France’s third try. Queyro converted to extend France’s lead to 19-03.
A yellow card to Chumisa Qawe was upgraded to a twenty-minute red card. The Springboks will be able to replace Qawe after twenty minutes of play.
France took a quick throw-in five meters from the Springbok tryline, and hooker Agathe Gerin bulldozed her way over the Springboks tryline to extend France’s lead to 34-03, and four minutes still to play in the second half.
France continued on their merry way, and Emilie Boulard scored out wide. France is once again attacking off the back of a dominant scrum down the blindside. Morgane Bourgeois converted to extend France’s lead to 21-03 after just four minutes of play in the second half.
Thereafter, Joanna Grisez (2), Annaëlle Deshaye, Annaëlle Deshaye and Alexandra Chambon added their name to the scoresheet before Nadine Roos deservedly scored the Springbok Women’s first try of the match. Dolf converted to cut France’s lead to 57-10, which was the final score.
Teams:
France Women: 15 Emilie Boulard, 14 Joanna Grisez, 13 Nassira Konde, 12 Gaby Vernier, 11 Marine Ménager, 10 Lina Queyroi, 9 Pauline Bourdon Sansus, 8 Charlotte Escudero, 7 Lea Champon, 6 Axelle Berthoumieu, 5 Madoussou Fall Raclot, 3 Rose Bernadou, 2 Agathe Gerin, 1 Yllana Brosseau. Replacements: 16 Elisa Riffonneau, 17 Annaëlle Deshaye, 18 Assia Khalfaoui, 19 Hina Ikahehegi, 20 Taïna Maka, 21 Séraphine Okemba, 22 Alexandra Chambon, 23 Morgane Bourgeois.
Springbok Women: 15 Byrhandré Dolf, 14 Jakkie Cilliers, 13 Eloise Webb, 12 Chumisa Qawe, 11 Maceala Samboya, 10 Mary Zulu, 9 Nadine Roos, 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Catha Jacobs, 6 Lerato Makua, 5 Anathi Qolo, 4 Vainah Ubisi, 3 Babalwa Latsha (captain), 2 Micke Gunter, 1 Yonela Ngxingolo. Replacements: 16 Luchell Hanekom, 17 Xoliswa Khuzwayo, 18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 19 Nomsa Mokwai, 20 Faith Tshauke, 21 Sinazo Mcatshulwa, 22 Tayla Kinsey, 23 Aphiwe Ngwevu.