‘We were not going to be beaten’: Springbok Women bounce back against Italy

Upon their return to winning ways, the Springbok Women said they “were not going to be beaten” by Italy.

A week ago, the world’s 10th-ranked side were left shocked by Wales in Cardiff, as Sean Lynn’s side registered a 50-19 win. South Africa returned to winning ways at the first time of asking with a 41-29 victory against the *Azzurre* in Pordenone.

The Springbok Women rode their luck at times as their 24-10 half-time lead was overturned in the second half, as converted tries from Italy’s Alyssa D’Inca and Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi, along with a Michaela Sillari penalty, handed the hosts a narrow lead with 15 minutes remaining.

It took tries from Micke Gunter and Logan Welman – both converted by Jakkie Cilliers – to secure victory for the Springbok Women.

“We were not going to be beaten today,” Sizophila Solontsi said. “Credit to Italy who also played with a lot of heart and even took the lead with 15 minutes left, but we stayed connected as a group and fought back till we won the match. It is a great feeling and will do wonders for the squad.”

Fly-halves Libbie Janse van Rensburg and Byrhandré Dolf both picked up injuries in the victory and will be assessed in the coming days.

It has been a challenging month for the Springbok Women. Ahead of their Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry clash with the Black Ferns, it was confirmed that Swys de Bruin had left his role as the team’s head coach. For the WXV Global Series, Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September have been named co-head coaches.

South Africa have already experienced both the highs and lows of their European campaign. Next week, the team travel to Seville to take on a Spain side that finished third at WXV Global Series Challenger in Hong Kong.

“We really had some hard sessions and focussed on getting rid of the small things that became big things in Wales, and I am very pleased to say we did just that,” Franzel September said.

“This was a very good win for us. The focus is still on building towards the next World Cup, but you also need the confidence from wins like these to confirm you are on the right track.”