Wales, on the other hand, dominated the Boks, especially in the first half, showing great skill and clinical finishing. The hosts cracked the whip from the outset, scoring six tries in the first half.  

Welsh Rugby Writers’ player of the year Courtney Keight scored the first try, while tighthead Sisilia Tuipulotu scored the second from a turnover, both scoring within the first ten minutes of the game.

South Africa replied with scrumhalf Felicia Jacobs diving over after a powerful scrum by the visitors, but the conversion was missed. Welsh scrumhalf Seren Lockwood added her side’s third try inside the opening quarter, which also went uncoverted.

Sin bin

Things went from bad to worse for South Africa after hooker Lindelwa Gwala was sent to the sin bin for being offside in the build-up. Wales took full advantage of one less player on the field, with Maisie Davies scoring her first international try and securing Wales’ bonus point. Freya Bell’s conversion took the score the 26-5. 

Welsh hooker Kelsey Jones extended Wales’ lead to 31-5. South Africa was dealt another blow when lock Danelle Lochner was shown a yellow card for a dangerous tackle, which was later upgraded to a 20-minute red. 

SA vs Wales. Photo: X/SA Women's Rugby

With only 13 South Africans on the field, Wales tightened their grip on the match with fullback Lisa Neuman scoring the hosts’ sixth try and pushing their lead to 38-5 at halftime.

Wales showed no intention of letting the South Africans back in the game, scoring within the opening minutes of the second half courtesy of Tuipuloto. Right winger Maria Tshiremba managed to cross the whitewash for South Africa and Byrhandré Dolf converted.  

Italy

Sustained pressure by the Springboks resulted in another try, this time by centre Maceala Samboya, and Dolf converted to make it 45-19. But Wales had the last laugh when captain Alex Callender crossed with just over ten minutes remaining.  

South Africa will face Italy next Saturday and will have to do some serious soul-searching next week before taking on the 7th-ranked team in the world.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger dg