Springbok Women beat Barbarians 59-17 in World Cup build-up

The Springbok Women’s rugby team started their build-up to next year’s Rugby World Cup on a winning note.
The South Africans thrashed a star-studded Barbarian Women’s team 59-17 in Cape Town on Saturday.

The Springbok Women were eager to start a new, winning chapter under the guidance of a new coaching team.

They got their campaign underway with two tries within the first 10 minutes; first by hooker Lindelwa Gwala and then, by lock Vainah Ubisi.

Left-wing Ayanda Malinga went over for another converted try in the 16th minute, and the South Africans were calling the shots, 19-nil after 18 minutes.

The Barbarian Women were finally on the board in the 21st minute, thanks to left wing, Lydia Thompson’s first of two first-half tries.

But the Boks ran in two more tries just before half-time, to give the South Africans an impressive 33-10 lead at the break.

The Barbarians put up a better performance in the second half and struck first early on.

But in the final minutes, the South Africans upped the intensity once again. They scored four more tries, and Jakkie Cilliers kicked yet another conversion, to seal the deal for the home team.

The women enjoyed kicking off proceedings for their male counterparts in the Mother City.

Bok Women Captain Nolusindiso Booi says, “It’s a very good thing for us, especially playing in front of this big crowd. It’s the first time that we see people coming to watch us. I think it will help our team to grow more. A lot of people came to watch, and now, we showed them that we can play rugby.”

Currie Cup

Meanwhile, in Currie Cup action, defending champions, the Cheetahs advanced to the semi-final of the competition with an emphatic 41-14 victory over the Pumas in Mbombela.

The Free State side scored six tries to one to book their place in the last four.

They will next do battle against the Lions for a place in the final.