The Springbok Women fought valiantly but ultimately lost 23-19 to Italy in their final match of the 2024 WXV 2 tournament at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday, Cape {town} Etc reports.
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Entering the match as underdogs after previous losses to Italy by 25 and 18 points, South Africa showed a renewed sense of determination, particularly in the second half, coming within a single score of pulling off a remarkable upset. Under the guidance of coach Swys de Bruin, the team made a strong start, dominating the scrum and maul. Babalwa Latsha, the tighthead prop, set the tone by scoring a try in the seventh minute, giving South Africa an early lead.
However, the momentum shifted in the 15th minute when Chumisa Qawe received a yellow card for a high tackle, forcing the home side to defend with just 14 players. Italy capitalised on this advantage, with outside centre Michela Sillari scoring a try and prop Silvia Turani adding two more. Despite two missed conversion attempts by Sillari, the visitors went into halftime with a lead of over 10 points.
In the second half, de Bruin introduced his ‘Bomb Squad’ in the 46th minute, and the impact was immediate, with the substitutes strengthening the set pieces and collisions. After some initial resistance from Italy, Aseza Hele, a replacement loose forward, broke through for a try.
Flyhalf Nadine Roos then ignited South Africa’s third try with a strong counter-attack, linking up with teammates before Ayanda Malinga finished off the move by scoring under the posts. Roos successfully converted, giving South Africa a 19-17 lead.
Italy responded in the 63rd minute, regaining the lead when South African replacement scrumhalf Unam Tose was sent to the sin bin for a reckless tackle. Italy’s Beatrice Rigoni capitalized on the situation, slotting a penalty goal from in front of the posts.
During Tose’s absence, South Africa struggled to clear their half, conceding another penalty that allowed Rigoni to extend Italy’s lead to six points.
As the clock wound down, South Africa made a final push, creating several scoring opportunities, but ultimately lost control of the ball at critical moments, sealing their narrow defeat.
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Picture: SA Rugby
