Bok Women Sevens get World Series Qualifier off to flying start

Aug 22 • General News, International, Sevens Rugby • 1556 Views • Comments Off on Bok Women Sevens get World Series Qualifier off to flying start

The Springbok Women’s Sevens on Saturday got their World Rugby Women’s World Series Qualifier off to a flying start as they registered a clean-sweep of victories in the pool stages to keep alive their hopes of retaining their core status on the series next season.

The team registered a convincing 33-5 victory against Hong Kong and then defeated Mexico 38-0 and beat hosts Ireland 17-5 to advance to the second round unbeaten.

Only the two teams that advance to the final of the tournament on Sunday will qualify for the 2015/2016 World Series.

The Springbok Women’s Sevens began their campaign on a strong note as they delivered a solid performance to register a 33-5 victory against Hong Kong. The team were dominant from the outset as they retained possession and strung together phases, while they used their try-scoring chances well. They supported this with a solid defensive effort, which resulted in the team leaking only one try.

In their second match against Mexico they opened up the scoring in the second minute with back-to-back tries by Phumeza Gadu and Veroeshka Grain, who used their pace to cruise to the tryline, while flyhalf Zenay Jordaan converted to secure an early 14-0 lead. Marithy Pienaar added their third try shortly before halftime after taking a quick tap to catch the defence offside and secure a 19-0 lead at the break.

Grain added her second try of the match seconds into the second half after gathering a loose pass to dashing through the defence, while Jordaan earned her first try of the match shortly after. They increased their score to 38-0 thanks to a last-minute converted try by Pienaar.

The team continued their fine form in what was their toughest match in the pool round against Ireland, but they held their nerve to secure a 17-5 victory. Ireland tried hard to retain possession on attack, but the Springbok Women’s defence held, while they capitalised on their try-scoring chances with two late tries in the second half to secure a well-deserved victory.

The Springbok Women’s Sevens will take to the field in the second round on Sunday to determine whether they will qualify for the 2015/2016 World Series.

Springbok Women’s Sevens World Series Qualifier, day one results:

SA 33 – 5 Hong Kong

SA 38 – 0 Mexico

SA 17 – 5 Ireland