FEATURED

SA Women fourth on log after Houston

PUBLISHED: February 3, 2013


South Africa lost their crucial Cup quarterfinal match 17-12 in extra-time against Australia at the IRB Women’s Sevens World Series tournament in Houston late on Saturday evening (SA time) and then struggled to find their form in their two other matches.

The second round of the WSWS was won by England, who defeated the United States 29-12 in the Cup Final.

South Africa, with three WP Women’s stars in the squad, lost all three matches on Saturday and their eighth placed finish earned them six log points, which now mean they share fourth spot overall with Russia on 24 points after two rounds.

In their first outing of the day, Mandisa Williams and her SA team held the skilful Australians to 12-all at the end of normal playing time, but their Cup semifinal ambitions were shattered when Ili Batisbasaga scored to clinch the match for the Aussies in extra-time.

Zenay Jordaan and Natasha Hofmeester scored the SA tries while Yolanda Meiring slotted one conversion. Shontelle Stowers and Ellia Green were the other Aussie try-scorers.

South Africa then faced Russia in the Plate semifinal, but they failed to score any points and were defeated 20-0. This meant a play-off for seventh place against Canada, who outplayed them (33-0).

Afterwards, a disappointed SA coach Denver Wannies said the quarterfinal loss against Australia had a big impact on his team.

“That defeat was a huge mental blow for us and although the girls tried hard against Russia and Canada, they could not get going against two very physical teams.

“They learnt some valuable lessons because the other teams got stuck into us from the beginning and never allowed us any time to use our pace out wide. It was a disappointing event for us but they are a hardworking and talented group of girls and I am sure they will bounce back next time,” said Wannies.

The IRB Women’s Sevens World Series resumes in China on 30-31 March.

The Women’s Sevens World Series standings after two rounds:
1. New Zealand – 34 points
2. Australia – 30
3. England – 28
4. Russia – 24
South Africa – 24

IRB Women’s Sevens World Series:
Round 1 – UAE: Dubai, November 30 to December 1, 2012 – The Sevens (winners: New Zealand)
Round 2 – USA: Houston, Texas, February 1-2, 2013 – BBVA Compass Stadium (winners: England)
Round 3 – China: Guangzhou, March 30-31, 2013 – Guangzhou University Town Stadium
Round 4 – Netherlands: Amsterdam, May 17-18, 2013 – NRCA Stadium

The SA Sevens Women squad:
1. Yolanda Meiring (Blue Bulls)
2. Mandisa Williams (Border – captain)
3. Nwabisa Ngxatu (Border)
4. Sinazo Nobele (Border)
5. Nosiphiwo Goda (Border)
6. Fundiswa Plaatjie (Border)
7. Zenay Jordaan (Eastern Province)
8. Phumeza Gadu (Eastern Province)
9. Natasha Hofmeester (Western Province)
10. Belle Makwezele (Western Province)
11. Zaandre Theron (Western Province)
12. Mathrin Simmers (Southwestern Districts)