Springbok Women expressed 'freedom' in big Fijiana win

Springbok Women assistant coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt was enthused with the team’s 55-12 win against Fiji in Suva on Saturday afternoon.

Across the 80 minutes, South Africa scores from Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Lindelwa Gwala, Vainah Ubisi, Sizophila Solontsi, Maceala Samboya, Byrhandre Dolf, Sinelitha Noxeke and a Xoliswa Khuzwayo brace put clear distance between the two teams.

Springbok captain Libbie Janse van Rensburg kicked two conversions, while Dolf converted three tries. Springbok Women Sevens star Shiniqwa Lamprecht made her Test debut as a starter in the contest.

The Fijiana XV’s scored came from Varanaise Qoro and Adi Vani Buleki tries, as well as a Litiana Vueti conversion. Fiji No.8 Alfreda Fisher received a red card in the 46th minute.

“We did not rely on only one component of our game, we had weapons all around and that was pleasing as it points to a good team effort,” Johannes-Haupt said.

“The integration of our sevens ladies really impressed me, it worked well and they really stood up to the task today.

“What was also pleasing was the freedom they played with and how they expressed themselves on the field. We had the set-piece as source, but often, after that, the girls played what was in front of them and that is exactly what we want them to do.”

Next weekend the Springboks will play Fiji in Lautoka in the second fixture of a two-Test series. Janse van Rensburg extended her lead as South Africa’s all-time points scorer and became the 12th player to captain the team since their first Test in 2004.

Libbie Janse van Rensburg said: “We are a happy change room right now. We wanted to start strong in this first Test match and achieved that.

“We really did well in our first phase play and it worked well – our scrums, lineouts and mauls functioned very well and laid the foundation for the win.

“Our breakdowns did not always yield the fast ball we wanted, but that came right in the second half and it showed in the final score.”