The Springbok Women’s Sevens started the first day of the Sevens Challenger Series on a slow note, drawing 7-7 to Czechia before coming back strongly in their second encounter, defeating Mexico 36-0.
South Africa’s quest to become part of the World Sevens Series started early on Thursday morning at a rainy Stellenbosch against Czechia at the Sevens Challenger Series.
The winner of the 12-team women’s tournament will gain direct entry into next season’s World Sevens Series.
South Africa broke the deadlock early against the passionate Czechia thanks to a well-worked try by Simamkele Namba on the B-field at the Markötter Stadium.
The try was tidily converted by Eloise Webb. Czechia built a few quality phases for the first time in the match, in the second half, before dotting down under the posts and tying up the game.
With seconds left on the clock, the hard-running Namba broke free and released speedster Ayanda Malinga to dot down and seal the game for the Women’s Sevens team.
Ayanda Malinga of South Africa in the Women’s Pool E match between South Africa and Mexico during day one of the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series 2023 at Markotter Stadium on 20 April 2022 in Stellenbosch, South Africa. (Photo: Grant Pitcher / Gallo Images)
Eloise Webb of South Africa in the Women’s Pool E match between South Africa and Mexico during day one of the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series 2023 at Markotter Stadium on 20 April 2022 in Stellenbosch, South Africa. (Photo: Grant Pitcher / Gallo Images)
Try disallowed
But after deliberation between the referee and the assistant referee, it was decided that Namba ran an obstructive line while in support of Malinga, and the try was subsequently disallowed.
Czechia kicked the ball out from the penalty they were awarded as the final whistle went and celebrated jubilantly while several Springbok Sevens players were on their haunches in disappointment.
Where South Africa left opportunities on the field in their opening match, they took every single one in their second, dismantling Mexico 26-0 at half time.
They dotted down two more tries in the second, while sealing their defence shut to finish 36-0 victors.
The drier conditions in their afternoon match made conditions more suitable for faster, running rugby, which complemented South Africa.
Mathrin Simmers (2), Eloise Webb, Simamkele Namba, Ayanda Malinga and Nadine Roos all got on the scoresheet for the home side.
Mathrin Simmers (co-captain) of South Africa in the Women’s Pool E match between South Africa and Mexico during day one of the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series 2023 at Markotter Stadium on 20 April 2022 in Stellenbosch, South Africa. (Photo: Grant Pitcher / Gallo Images)
Nadine Roos (c) of South Africa during the match between Spain and South Africa on day two of the HSBC Cape Town Sevens at DHL Stadium on 10 December 2022 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo: Ashley Vlotman / Gallo Images)
Namba the superstar
Namba was once again the star, showing excellent strength in contact, deceptive pace after breaking the line as well as displaying excellently timed passes.
“Namba is a superstar. My nickname for her is ‘Lion Heart’ because she gives everything, she doesn’t leave anything out there. She works hard, she makes tackles, she plays, she runs,” said Springbok Women’s Sevens head coach Renfred Dazel, after the match against Mexico.
“For me, Namba is key for how we’re going to play over this weekend.
“I’m happy with today’s results. We were a little bit disappointed by the 7-7 draw against Czechia, but looking at the weather, it becomes 50/50 for either team,” added Dazel.
“As a team, we at times didn’t play to our standards, but in the second game against Mexico there was more energy and intensity on the ball and more structured play. That’s why we came out on top.”
Good preparation
South Africa had three-months preparation for the Challenger Series – much longer than they usually do – and it showed on the field in their match against Mexico.
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The Springbok Sevens Women were organised and patient in defence while remaining incisive and ruthless in attack, snipping through the tiniest gap their South American opponents left a
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