Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Defending champions South Africa overcame a spirited challenge from Uganda Lady Cranes to secure a 47-20 victory in the second round of Rugby Africa Women’s Cup at RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi.
The win keeps the South Africans firmly on course to retain their continental crown ahead of a decisive clash against the Kenya Lionesses.
It was Uganda who started the match on a high note racing into a 12-0 lead after capitalising on South Africa’s sluggish opening. The Lady Cranes crossed for an early converted try through Peace Lekuru before winger Unity Namulala added another following sustained pressure deep inside the South African half.
South Africa slowly settled into the contest and finally responded through Shaunique Alexander, who touched down at the corner in the 16th minute. Despite struggling with handling errors, the champions found their rhythm late in the first half.
A well-worked lineout move allowed Alichia Arries to level the scores at 12-12 after slicing through the Uganda defence. Moments later, Logan Welman finished off another attacking phase from close range, with the conversion giving South Africa a 19-12 advantage.
Uganda, however, refused to back down and took advantage of a South African sin-bin late in the half. Proscovia Mukyala crossed over after a brilliant attacking sequence to reduce the deficit to 19-17 at the break.
The second half belonged to South Africa as their physical dominance began to show. Tries from Thamie Yeko and Naima Hlatshwayo stretched the lead before a powerful maul effort pushed the score further out of Uganda’s reach.
Arries grabbed her second try late on as South Africa sealed a commanding victory, although Uganda had the final word through Bushira Namutemi’s late score.
South Africa will now meet Kenya on Sunday in the final fixture while Uganda face Madagascar.
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