Article by Melissa Nel
The Springbok Women capped off a highly successful tour of the Pacific Islands, securing a hard-fought 29-22 victory over the Fijiana XV at Churchill Park to claim a 2–0 series sweep. Following their clinical 55-12 win in Suva last week, South Africa had to dig deep into their "reset and go again" mindset to weather a fierce, physical response from a determined Fijian outfit.
Before the clash, returning captain Babalwa Latsha warned that past results meant nothing, and her words proved prophetic. In a match defined by discipline tests, tactical shifts, and a spectacular international debut, it was sevens speedster Maria Tshiremba who stole the show, crashing over for a memorable hat-trick to seal the game late.
The match started on the back foot for South Africa, who conceded two early penalties and struggled to establish rhythm against Fiji’s aggressive line-speed. In the 4th minute, despite a desperate defensive effort by the Springboks, the Fijiana XV swiftly spread the ball wide, allowing blistering winger A. Buna to outsprint the cover defence and open the scoring in the corner.
South Africa responded in the 16th minute; record-capped hooker Lindelwa Gwala powered over the line off the back of a textbook driving maul to level the scores. While the Springboks completely dominated the forward exchanges upfront, the Fijiana XV remained a constant threat out wide, consistently puncturing the defensive line when running at pace.
Discipline unravelled for South Africa late in the half. Midfielder Zintle Mpupha was sent to the sin bin in the 28th minute, and the host nation capitalised immediately. Breaking through the short-handed Bok defence, Adi Vani Buleki beat three defenders to slide over for Fiji’s second try.
Things worsened for the visitors just three minutes later when Anacadia Minnaar was also shown a yellow card, reducing South Africa to 13 players. Through heroic defensive grit, the under-strength South Africans held firm to head into the halftime tunnel trailing just 10-05.
Restored to full strength early in the second half, the game ignited. In the 43rd minute, debutant winger Maria Tshiremba announced herself on the Test stage, turning on the afterburners to outsprint the Fijian cover defence for a sensational try. Byhandre Dolf added the crucial extra two points, pushing the Springboks into a 12-10 lead.
Tshiremba struck again in the 55th minute, showcasing devastating acceleration down the touchline to secure her brace and extend the advantage. However, Fiji refused to back down. In the 58th minute, A. Nailolo hit back with an exceptional individual effort, selling a massive dummy to slice through before Varanaise Qoro slotted the conversion to tie the game at 17-17.
The Springbok Women responded by launching wave after wave of relentless phase attacks. In the 67th minute, lock Vainah Ubisi showed immense strength, stretching over a mountain of bodies to score. Dolf’s accurate boot made it 24-17.
A string of late penalties against South Africa swung the momentum back to the hosts. In the 75th minute, I. Rokowati cut the Bok midfield in two with a sharp angle, setting up a grandstand finish at 24-22.
True to their tactical intent, South Africa attacked directly from the ensuing kickoff. Moving the ball through a sweeping 15-man offensive structure, the pressure told as Fiji conceded a yellow card. Spreading it to the edge, the unstoppable Maria Tshiremba powered through the final tackle to complete her debut hat-trick, cementing a hard-earned 29-22 victory for her team.
Scorers:
Fijiana XV: Tries: A Buna, Adi Vani Buleki, A Nailolo, I Rokowati. Conversion: Varanaise Qoro
Springbok Women: Tries: Lindelwa Gwala, Maria Tshiremba (3), Vainah Ubisi. Conversion: Byrhandre Dolf (2).
Teams:
Fijiana XV: 1 Karalaini Naisewa, 2 Bitila Tawake, 3 Adi Keri Lawavou, 4 Karavaki Lutumaibau, 5 Jade Coates, 6 Nunia Daunimoala, 7 M Neivoha, 8 A Railumu, 9 Kolora Lomani, 10 Varanaise Qoro, 11 A Buna, 12 Ruth Raketekete, 13 I Rokowati, 14 Adi Vani Buleki, 15 Litiana Vueti. Replacements: 16 Selai Naliva, 17 Elesi Saukuru, 18 Tiana Robanakadavu, 19 Vilisi Tivalele, 20 S Maragi, 21 Evivi Senikarivi, 22 A Nailolo, 23 V Duva.
Springbok Women: 1 Xoliswa Khuzwayo, 2 Lindelwa Gwala, 3 Babalwa Latsha, 4 Vainah Ubisi, 5 Nomsa Mokwai, 6 Sizophila Solontsi, 7 Catha Jacobs, 8 Aseza Hele, 9 Anacadia Minnaar, 10 Libbie Janse Van Rensburg, 11 Maria Tshiremba, 12 Zintle Mapupha, 13 Maceala Samboya, 14 Alichia Arries, 15 Byrhandre Dolf. Replacements: 16 Anushka Groenewald, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 19 Sinelitha Noxeke, 20 Nobuhle Mjwara, 21 Shiniqwa Lamprecht, 22 Felicia Jacobs, 23 Patience Mokone.
