Experience and time together as a team might have been the difference between the Springbok Women’s U20 team and the USA Women’s Eagles team in their recent two-match series. This is according to Athi Mayinje, a South African Rugby Union (SARU) player and coach.
The USA Women’s Eagles U20s played against the Springbok Women’s U20s at the Markötter Stadium in Stellenbosch on Friday, 24 July. PHOTO: Nomndeni Ndlovu
The USA Women’s Eagles won both matches.
“The USA [team] have definitely been exposed to the game of rugby much more than our [South African] ladies have. You can see that they have been together for a longer time while our ladies only come together for three weeks in total before the first game,” said Mayinje.
USA won their first game against South Africa at the start of the series, finishing 47-12, on 17 July played at Markötter Stadium in Stellenbosch.
Two-halves dominated by USA
They returned to claim their second match on 24 July at the same venue, winning 60-17 and dominating both halves to secure the two-match series win against Springbok Women’s U20s.
In the opening minutes of the second game, South Africa secured a try, earning them a score of 0-5.
USA centre Bella Vogel came firing back when there was an open space, and scored a try.
Annie Henrich, the Eagles’ number nine, converted for the USA, giving them a 7-5 lead over South Africa. More tries followed for the USA.
Just over 25 minutes into the game, jersey number eight, Palesa Matee, scored another try for South Africa, leaving the hosts trailing by 24-10.
By half-time, the USA was leading 31-10.
In the second half, South African flanker Kaylin Heuvel brought hope to the team when she scored, leading to a total of 31-17, after converting.
However, the hopes of the home team were dashed when USA Jasmine Fehoko scored a try, placing the USA in the lead, with a score of 43-17.
In the final ten minutes of the game, USA’s Nevaeh Elliott and Alyssa Hine scored tries, securing the Eagles’ win.
The second match of the two-match international series between the USA Women Eagles’ and Springbok Women U20s was played at the Markötter Stadium in Stellenbosch, on Friday 24 July. PHOTO: Nomndeni Ndlovu
The future of SA women’s rugby
Babalwa Latsha, Springbok national women’s team captain, said the future of the South African women’s team lies in the Springbok Women’s U20s team.
“They are the next generation. It is important that we come out and support them. It is great to see them play an international test-match and I wish them the best. I am happy to see them grow,” said Latsha.
Although the Springbok Women’s U20s did not claim victory, Aimee Barrett-Theron, referee of South Africa’s Premier Panel and former SARU player, said she was proud to see how much their play had improved.
The USA Women’s Eagles U20s defeated the Springbok Women’s U20s by 60-17. Infographic: Nomndeni Ndlovu
Although Barrett-Theron did not referee the game, she explained that it was important for the team to “keep things simple and strong”.
“This is one of the best matches I have ever seen as a referee. The girls were up in the game,” she said.