REACTION: It was a heartbreaking defeat for the Springbok Women, who have shown tremendous progress throughout the WXV 2 tournament.
The Bok Women lost 19-23 to Italy in the final round of the WXV 2 on Saturday at Athlone Stadium.
The result sees the Bok Women conclude this year’s WXV 2 tournament in fourth place with eight points, the same as Italy, but just behind the Europeans on points difference.
It was another match, similar to last week against Australia, where Bok Women came within one score of securing a famous win.
Trailing 7-17 at the break, the Springbok Women deployed replacements in the 46th minute and the reserves made an immediate impact.
Replacement loose forward Aseza Hele scored a try before wing Ayanda Malinga levelled matters and Nadine Roos kicked the conversion to hand the Bok W the 19-17 lead.
However, two late penalties by Italy ensured the Europeans extended their winning run to three over the hosts.
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“We are happy that we are improving each game, but we really want to do much better.
“We want to win games,” said Springbok Women captain Nolusindiso Booi after her team let another win slip through their fingers.
“We want to show people that we can play rugby and want more people to come support us.
“It is not easy for people to come and support a team that is not winning, so even though we are growing with each game we don’t want to feel like this or feel like we just came close.”
Springbok Women’s performance coach Swys De Bruin said he’s proud of his team despite the defeat.
The coach remains optimistic that the results will follow.
“When you look at the last five games – we won three and lost two – I see a lot of growth,” said De Bruin.
“We have never beaten Italy or even came close and it was a coin toss there at the end. We could’ve scored and it could’ve been a glorious victory.
“So if I look at how the team settled in, on defence and attacking systems, it pleases my heart.
“We didn’t get the result but I’m so proud of them. I don’t know why, but they just have this fight that never-ever stops.
“Proud and there is definite progress. The results will come if we continue what we’re doing.”
The Springbok Women have sent a stern warning to the women’s game and De Bruin stated it all stems from the hard work of his coaching staff.
“I want to give credit to my coaching staff. Laurian [Johannes-Haupt] with the scrums, Franzel [September] with the line-outs, and Bafana Nhleko with the defence.
“There is growth in all those departments. The leadership, our captain Booi is brilliant, she knows what to do, and says the right thing at the right.
“I’m really honoured to witness this.”
