The win built valuable momentum on the eve of the Rugby World Cup, which kicks off in 20 days in England.

The South Africans held a 24-12 halftime advantage, scoring four tries and two conversions, and kicked on in the second half by scoring a further three tries to outscore their opponents by seven tries to four.

After the match, Springbok Women’s performance coach Swys de Bruin complimented and applauded his squad, saying they had ended their Rugby World Cup preparations on a positive note.

“I think we are now close to where we wanted to be a few weeks from the Rugby World Cup,” said De Bruin.

“The team played well tonight and executed the tweaks we made very well, and that delivered not only a winning result, but also a boost of confidence to the squad and management.”

‘It was such an inspiring performance’

De Bruin said the players took the responsibility to change last weekend’s result upon themselves and made a mental switch for this weekend’s game.

“It started with our jersey presentation yesterday when Babalwa (Latsha) made a wonderful speech to the team and they embraced the message she delivered that it was time to take the opportunities that they create,” he said. “They showed exactly that today, it was such an inspiring performance.”

The South Africans will play Brazil in Northampton in their opening match in just over two weeks.

Scorers:

Springbok Women 41 (24) – Tries: Ayanda Malinga, Byrhandré Dolf, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Yonela Ngixingolo, Lindelwa Gwala, Lerato Makua, Luchell Hanekom. Conversions: Libbie Janse van Rensburg (3).

Black Ferns XV 24 (12) – Tries: Kelsey Teneti, Holly Greenway, Luka Connor, Justine McGregor. Conversions: Hannah King (2).

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger dg