The Springbok Women's Sevens had an inspiring HSBC SVNS Dubai tournament and ended 10th after losing 05-12 to Japan in their final match.
Excitement galore with both teams more than willing to spread the ball wide. However, it was Japan's Fumio Otake who eventually scored the opening try after 6 minutes of play. Unfortunately for South Africa, Sakura Mizutani's dancing feet secured a second try to lead 12-00 going into the second half.
South Africa opened their account after 5 minutes of play in the second half when Rights Mkhari scored a team try after several players handled the ball. Japan controlled possession during the latter parts of the match and deservedly won 12-05.
Scorers:
Springbok Women's Sevens: Try: Rights Mkhari
Japan: Tries: Fumio Otake, Sakura Mizutani. Conversion: Arisa Nishi.
Teams:
Springbok Women's Sevens: Zintle Mpupha, Simankele Namba, Mathrin Simmers, Marilze de Bruin, Ayanda Malinga, Nadine Roos, Rights Mkhari. Replacements: Shiniqwa Lamprecht, Liske Lategan. Asisipho Plaatjies, Kyla de Vries, Maria Tshiremba.
Japan: Sakura Mizutani, Emii Tanaka, Arisa Nishi, Mayu Yoshinu, Fumiko Otake, Sakurako Yazaki, Chiharu Nakamura. Replacements: Seika Ohashi, Raichielmiyo Bativakalolo, Mio Yamanaka, Hanako Utsumi, Yukino Tsujisaki.