Kenya Lionesses suffered their second defeat in Rugby Africa Women’s Cup after going down to favourites Springbok Women 63-5 in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
Barely four minutes into the game, South Africa Women were on the scoresheet after Lusanda Dumke went over for a 5-0 lead. The Springbok Women were unstoppable, led by flank Lusanda Dumke and center Aphiwe Ngwevu, who proved to be constant threats to the Lionesses.
Springbok Women got their second try in the corner through Sikholiwe Mdletshe after she was put in space by Lusanda Dumke. Conversion attempt by Jacomina Cilliers went wide
Just when Lionesses started showing sparks of brilliance at the tail end of the first quarter, they were their own enemies as they kept Springbok Women into the game through series of handling errors coupled with missed tackles. The Bok Women would land their third try through Jacomina Cilliers. It was Aphiwe Ngwevu who first beat Faith Livoi, drew two Kenyan markers , before offloading the ball to J.Cilliers who raced to score.
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Sikholiwe Mdletshe got her brace moments later before Cilliers again after linking up well with his midfield partner Aphiwe Ngwevu, got a try in the corner flag.
Rose Otieno pulled one back for the Lionesses after she beat two South African defenders including a bump off on Bok Women number eight Sizophila Solontsi. Anne Ochieng missed the conversion attempt. Bok Women would land their final try of first half after lock Vainah Ubisi burged over. Jacomina Cilliers converted Ubisi’s try to give South Africa Women Rugby a 34-5 lead at halftime.
In the second stanza, Bok Women picked up from where they left as they scored 5 tries to win the game 63-5. Nomawethu Mabenge got a double with Gwala, Jacomina Cilliers getting try a piece. J.Cilliers managed two conversions.
The Lionesses will play Cameroon in their last match of Rugby Africa Women’s Cup 2024 on Sunday, May 12.
