By Kevin Rademeyer, Sports Journalist.
The Springbok Women’s Sevens opened their Rugby Africa Womens Sevens Cup campaign in Nairobi with an authority that set them apart from the field, sweeping through Pool A with assured victories over Mauritius and Zimbabwe.
The reigning champions now advance to the knockout phase with confidence, preparing for a demanding Cup Quarter Final against Ghana.
South Africa began their title defence with a commanding 68 to 0 triumph over Mauritius. The match became a showcase of pace and precision as Maria Tshiremba, Simamkele Namba, Vianca Boer and Patience Mokone each produced two tries.
The team’s defensive sharpness suffocated any Mauritian ambition, while turnover ball was swiftly turned into territory and points. Captain Nadine Roos managed the game with poise, shaping the rhythm, delivering assured passes and identifying space with her familiar footwork. She contributed consistently from the tee before Byrhandre Dolf stepped in during the second period with flawless accuracy. By the interval South Africa were thirty three points clear and firmly in command.
Their meeting with Zimbabwe followed a comparable pattern of control. Roos struck early with a deft change of direction and added the conversion before releasing Simamkele Mamba through the centre channel to widen the advantage. Moments later Roos raced the length of the field to secure a substantial half time lead. Tshiremba kept the momentum alive shortly after the restart and Mokone produced a second half hat trick to complete a polished 45 to 0 victory.
Reflecting on the day, Roos emphasised the group’s shared purpose and composure. “The team laid the groundwork from the opening match and every game offers another chance to grow. Leading this group is a privilege made lighter by the fact that I am surrounded by players who bring their own leadership to the field.”
She acknowledged that sterner tests lie ahead. “Tomorrow will demand more intensity. You can expect us to be sharper, hungrier and more precise in every facet.”
The Springbok Women’s Sevens now enter the knockout rounds with the dual incentive of retaining their continental crown and securing a place in the SVNS Division Three Challenger tournament scheduled for January.