Steep learning curve for Springbok Women’s Sevens

Apr 15 • General News, Sevens Rugby, Womens Rugby • 1307 Views • Comments Off on Steep learning curve for Springbok Women’s Sevens

The Springbok Women’s Sevens could not secure that elusive first win at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast on Sunday, but gained some good experience playing in a three-day tournament and in front of big crowds.

The Women Boks lost to Fiji and Wales in the Robina Stadium to finish eighth in the tournament, the first Rugby Sevens event for women at the Games.

Springbok Women’s Sevens coach, Paul Delport, looked at the positive aspects of the tournament and the exposure and experience gained by the team.

“We learned valuable lessons, not only the players, but also on what is needed to improve to be a more competitive team,” said Delport.

“We will have a proper discussion once we’re back in South Africa on how to approach the way forward and how to improve the programme.

“It was tough out there, we finished our last match against Wales with only seven fit players, so the women really had to dig deep and I applaud them for that. In fact, I cannot fault their effort and commitment and is pretty proud of that.”

The South Africans were beaten 40-12 by Fiji in their first match of the day and then edged 19-14 by Wales for the seventh place. Wales scored their winning try after the final buzzer, much to the disappointment of Delport’s team.

The medallists were New Zealand (gold), Australia (silver) and England (bronze).

Scorers:

South Africa v Fiji – Tries: Mathrin Simmers (2). Conversions: Zintle Mpupha, Chane Stadler.

South Africa v Wales – Tries: Veroeshka Grain, Nadine Roos. Conversion: Chane Stadler.

Notes:

Mathrin Simmers was the leading try scorer for South Africa with three tries, as well as the leading points’ scorer with 15.
Chane Stadler kicked four conversions (eight points).