The South African Women’s rugby team kicked off their World Cup warm-up series against Scotland in convincing fashion by beating the hosts 27-8 at Lasswade on Saturday.
Scotland managed to keep South Africa in check during a tight first half but the visitors played much better as a unit after the break to register a third straight win after their historic 2-0 series win against Kazakhstan in Dubai.
No. 8 Namhla Siyolo scored an unconverted try and full back Yolanda Meiring converted a penalty to give South Africa an 8-3 lead after Nicola Halfpenny (no.15) had given the Scottish team an early lead through a penalty.
SA captain Mandisa Williams lead from the front and the seasoned flanker scored the first of three second-half tries to secure a comfortable victory. Inside centre Lorinda Brown and fly half Zeney Jordaan were the other SA try scorers.
Centre Lucy Millard replied with an unconverted try for the home team.
Denver Wannies, the SA Women’s coach, said he was pleased with especially his team’s second half showing. Two South African players, Siyolo and flanker Lamla Momoti were yellow carded for repeated infringements.
“We made too many errors in the first half and could not really get going. We have been working very hard on our fitness and conditioning during the recent training camps and that showed during the second half.”
Scotland Women’s coach conceded his team beaten by a better side. “South Africa looked more cohesive. We defended well in spells but made too many mistakes.”
The two teams meet again next Saturday.