A tired-looking Springbok Women’s sevens team was outplayed by Argentina (25-10) on Sunday morning at the HSBC SVNS Hong Kong.
Argentina wasted no time in scoring the first try, beating the Springboks with speed out wide to lead 05-00 after a minute of play in the first half. Argentina continued to dominate, outplaying the fumbling Springboks, and after six minutes of play, Argentina scored their second try to lead 10-00. With time up, Argentina pounced on a mistake by the Springboks to score again and lead 15-00 going into the second half.
The Springboks started like a house on fire, and Maria Tshiremba went over in the corner to cut Argentina’s lead to 15-05 after a minute of play in the second half; however, Argentina hit back immediately to extend their lead to 20-05. The Springboks followed up on a kick upfield and Zintle Mpupha scored with two minutes still to play. Argentina secured a 25-10 win with a try with time up on the clock.
Scorers:
Springbok Women’s Sevens: Tries: Maria Tshiremba, Zintle Mpupha.
Argentina: Tries: Marianela Escalante, Sofia Gonzalez, Maria Brigido Chamorro, Talia Rodich, Azul Medina .
Teams:
Springbok Women’s Seven: Zintle Mpupha, Shiniqwa Lamprecht, Catha Jacobs, Byrhandre Dolf, Maria Tshiremba, Shanidine Bezuidenhout, Ayanda Malinga. Replacements: Eloise Webb, Maceala Samboya, Nontobeko Mohuli, Jane Mulder.
Argentina: Josefina Padellaro, Marianela Escalante, Maria Taladrid, Sofia Gonzalez, María Paula Pedrozo, Maria Brigido Chamorro, Talia Rodich. Replacements: Ruth Valentina Velazquez, Francesca Iacaruso, Malena Noemi Diaz, Antonella Reding, Azul Medina.