SA Women’s Sevens storm into semis after dominant displays

THE SPRINGBOK Women’s Sevens side made a strong start to the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Cup on Saturday, running in 17 tries without conceding any as they swept Mauritius 68-0 and Zimbabwe 47-0 at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi. 

The two wins confirmed their place in Sunday morning’s quarter-final against Ghana, and, with momentum on their side, the Bok Women crushed Ghana 48-0 to make their way to the semis without a point scored against them.

Maria Tshiremba scored a hat-trick as the South Africans continued their excellent run at the tournament.

Fast start sets the tone

South Africa opened their campaign with a commanding showing against Mauritius. Maria Tshiremba crossed twice in the first half, striking in the opening minute and again after Simamkele Namba broke through from the restart. Nadine Roos added a try with a neat show-and-go, while Namba’s second helped secure a 33-0 half-time lead.

The bench kept the momentum going. Ayanda Malinga and Patience Mokone scored soon after entering the match, Vianca Boer added two more, and Mokone finished the 10-try performance on the buzzer.

Zimbabwe overpowered

The second match followed a similar pattern. Roos produced two early tries and converted a Namba score to help South Africa reach a 21-0 lead at halftime.

Tshiremba opened the second-half scoring before Mokone took control, touching down three times in quick succession to seal another emphatic result.

Scorers:

South Africa 68 (33), Mauritius 0 (0) – SA Tries: Maria Tshiremba (2), Simamkele Namba (2), Nadine Roos, Ayanda Malinga, Patience Mokone (2), Vianca Boer (2). Conversions: Roos (5), Byrhandre Dolf (4).

South Africa 47 (21), Zimbabwe 0 (0) – SA Tries: Nadine Roos (2), Simamkele Namba, Maria Tshiremba, Patience Mokone (3). Conversions: Roos (4), Byrhandre Dolf (2).