The Springbok Women delivered a sparkling performance to beat England’s Under-20 side in an open and free-flowing friendly in London. Photo: SA Rugby website
The Springbok Women delivered a sparkling performance to beat England’s Under-20 side 38-5 in an open and free-flowing friendly in London on Sunday, with Libbie Janse van Rensburg and Ayanda Malinga crossing for two tries each.
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Springbok Women’s coach Stanley Raubenheimer decided to give playing time to most of the players in the squad who didn’t get game time in the Tests against France and Wales, and they didn’t disappoint.
Playing with a strong wind in the first half, the Springbok Women made the most of their opportunities, using their pack as a platform to launch a number of very good attacks, with No 8 Sizophila Solontsi leading the charge.
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Flyhalf Janse van Rensburg scored twice in the first half – in the seventh minute from a strong scrum and again 20 minutes later after a magnificent run that started in her own 22 – while fleet-footed fullback Donelle Snyders also crossed the English tryline.
Outside centre Jakkie Cilliers succeeded with two difficult conversions to hand the South Africans a 19-0 lead at the break as they managed to vary their play well, attacking through the middle or sending the ball wide, and defending very well.
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The first 20 minutes of the second half was scoreless as England had more possession, which tested the South Africans’ defence.
Defensive pressure finally resulted in Malinga’s first try, after 62 minutes, from turnover ball, while the speedy left wing crossed again after a strong 60m run six minutes later to all but put the result beyond any doubt.
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Inside centre Ella Lovibond got England’s try in the 72nd minute, but moments later Nadine Roos (replacement flyhalf) added her name to the scoresheet with a well-taken try after a quick tap penalty.
Cilliers converted the last two tries to double the Springbok Women’s score in the second half.
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The Springbok Women’s side will now turn their attention to Saturday, 27 November’s clash against the Barbarians Women’s side at Twickenham as part of the Killik Cup double-header.
Earlier in the day the Barbarians men’s side will face Samoa.
To be part of the action be sure to secure your seat now!
The ticket price includes both matches and start from *£35 for adults and kids *£15.
Visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk to book.
SCORERS:
Springbok Women
Tries: Libbie Janse van Rensburg (2), Donelle Snyders, Ayanda Malinga (2), Nadine Roos
Conversions: Jakkie Cilliers (4).
England Under-20
Try: Ella Lovibond