Australia held on to secure a narrow 33-26 victory over the Springbok Women’s team in a thrilling WXV 2 match at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town. The Wallaroos were in control for most of the game but faced a determined fightback from the South Africans in the closing stages. Despite being under pressure towards the end, Australia managed to hold off a resilient Bok side, who were cheered on by a loud crowd and inspired by the presence of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi. The Springbok Women came close but had to settle for two bonus points.
The Wallaroos set the pace early on, using slick handling and speed to their advantage. Faitala Moleka’s tactical kicking kept the play largely in the South African half, and the Bok Women struggled to handle the Wallaroos’ attack. Although the Springboks dominated in the scrums and carried the ball strongly, they made costly errors in defense and struggled with lineouts. Nonetheless, they fought hard and stayed in the game.
Australia started strongly, scoring two tries within the first eight minutes through flanker Siokapesi Palu and center Georgina Friedrichs, with Moleka converting both to establish a 14-0 lead. South Africa responded soon after, with scrumhalf Unam Tose scoring her first Test try after charging down a kick. Although Nadine Roos missed the conversion, the hosts were back in the contest.
Three minutes later, Australia extended their lead with a try from prop Eva Karpani, making it 21-5. However, South Africa struck back before halftime, with flanker Sinazo Mcatshulwa powering over the try line after a patient build-up by the forwards. Roos converted to narrow the deficit to 21-12. Australia almost scored again before the break, but the TMO disallowed two of their tries, and the teams went into halftime with Australia ahead.
As the fog rolled in during the second half, Australia continued to build their lead. Despite losing a player to a yellow card for a high tackle, they scored two more tries through wingers Desiree Miller and Maya Stewart, pushing their lead to 33-12.
The Springbok Women refused to give up. After sustained pressure in the Australian half, center Zintle Mpupha scored a try, which Roos converted, making it 33-19 with just seven minutes left. In the 79th minute, Micke Gunter scored off a powerful maul, and Roos added the conversion to bring the score to 33-26. South Africa surged forward after the restart, driving 80 meters upfield but ultimately lost possession near the Wallaroos’ tryline, allowing Australia to secure the win.
Scorers:
Springbok Women 26 (12) – Tries: Unam Tose, Sinazo Mcatshulwa, Zintle Mpupha, Micke Gunter. Conversions: Nadine Roos (3).
Australia 33 (21) – Tries: Siokapesi Palu, Georgina Friedrichs, Eva Karpani, Desiree Miller, Maya Stewart. Conversions: Faitala Moleka (4).
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