University of Western Province, Cape Town
One of the more intriguing warm-ups for the WXV; just a pity that it couldn’t have been held in Kenya. The Boks already had the advantage of higher ranking, 12th/23rd, and a place in WXV2 as against WXV3.
And they had superiority where it matters, up front. When Aimee Barrett-Theron offered them a free kick, they opted for a tap and drive which brought them an immediate try. It went to the returning Veroeshka Grain.
By the quarter-mark the Boks had eased into a 19-0 lead. Then drama: as a Kenyan clearance kick was safely gathered, the inside pass was less safely launched. It fell into the lap of Diana Kemunto, who had a long road to travel to the line. Bok cover zoomed ever closer, but as a tackle came in, Stella Wafula was freed to drop over the line. The conversion was good. (19-7)
The Lionesses had their best spell now. They built nice phases in attack, shifting the ball safely, recycling when necessary. Then Ann Goretti made a glorious break through midfield. As she was held just short of the line, the ball was released to Stella Wafula who went over to complete a magical move.
Sadly for them, that proved to be their pinnacle of success. The Boks scored another try before the break, then the second half showed the Kenyan management what still needs improvement.
A torrent of tries to the home team revealed a lack of fitness and stamina, to name but two.
The authorities watching on will be concerned by the number of penalties the visitors gave away. This was always likely to be a thorny problem, especially in WXV3, where players are much less used to top-class refereeing and the standards required. AB-T may even have let the Kenyans off the tightest leash as their defensive lines wilted.
Their one relief is that 10-place difference in ranking. Of the six nations comprising WXV3 only Ireland will be totally familiar with the need to stay squeaky clean under pressure.
Result: South Africa 77 Kenya 12 (half-time 24-12) Teams:
South Africa:
Byrhandrè Dolf, Veroeshka Grain, Jakkie Cilliers, Piwokuhle Nyanda, Unathi Mali, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Rumandi Potgieter, Lusanda Dumke, Catha Jacobs, Nompumelelo Mathe, Danelle Lochner, Sinazo Mcatshulwa, Babalwa Latsha (captain), Roseline Botes, Yonela Ngxingolo
Bench:
Micke Gunter, Asithandile Ntoyanto, Amber Schonert, Nolusindiso Booi, Vainah Ubisi, Sinelitha Noxeke, Unam Tose, Mary Zulu
Kenya:
Diana Omosso, Sharon Auma, Prisca Nyerere, Grace Okulu, Stella Wafula, Ann Goretti, Judith Okumu, Rose Otieno, Knight Otwoma, Natasha Emali, Naomi Jelagat, Faith Livoi, Enid Ouma (captain), Diana Kemunto, Phoebe Akinyi
Bench:
Naomi Muhanji, Evelyn Kalemera, Mercy Migongo, Hesla Khisa, Michelle Akinyi, Winnie Awino, Naomi Amuguni, Esther Juma
Referee: Aimee Barrett-Theron (SARU)
Afterthoughts
Barrett-Theron caught up with Sara Cox’s record-breaking 35 test matches as referee.
As the Boks show every sign of forging ahead, it’s vital that the 50-odd other African nations don’t get left behind. There are several that are showing real progress, from Morocco to Madagascar. WXV is merely a first stepping-stone towards rising standards.
But the two nations involved today are the only African representatives in the new world tournament.
