Springbok Women dominate Uganda

THE Springbok Women got their 2025 Rugby Africa Women's Cup opener against Uganda in Antananarivo, Madagascar, yesterday off to a flyer with a comprehensive 62-7 victory over the Lady Cranes that featured several try-scoring debuts.

- ROWAN CALLAGHAN

Lock Anathi Qolo captained the South African side that boasted a combined 174 caps. And despite being expected to dominate the scrum with their powerful pack, the Ugandans more than held their own in that aspect of play. The swirling wind made line-out throw-ins and clearance kicks difficult for both teams, though.

The power of the SA pack was soon on display in the loose, however. Prop Xoliswa Khuzwayo and flank Lerato Makua were prominent, with strong, tackle-busting runs in midfield as the Bok Women kept the ball tight in the early exchanges.

It was a tactic that seemed to catch the Lady Cranes off guard as they scrambled on defence in the face of mismatches. Qolo marked her debut as skipper with a fine opening try that was the result of sustained pressure on the Uganda tryline and quick ball through the hands, dotting down under the posts. Springbok Women's flyhalf Mary Zulu added the conversion (7-0). Uganda were struggling to cope with the rush defence from the Springboks, who dominated the battle for territory and possession, as expected.