Springbok Women's shift in tactics deliver

PERFORMANCE coach Swys de Bruin admitted that a shift in the Springbok Women's approach after halftime bore fruit as they came close to a come-from-behind win against the Black Ferns XV at Athlone Stadium on Saturday.

- ROWAN CALLAGHAN

South Africa were more direct and physical in the second half, keeping the ball tight and employing crash-ball tactics after being outplayed in the opening 40 minutes.

"We simply did not get going in the first half, but I have to give credit to the team for the way they adapted in the second half, where we created numerous chances," De Bruin said after the 34-26 defeat to the New Zealanders, who led 20-12 at the break.

"If we did not have one of our tries disallowed at a crucial stage in the second half, who knows what could have happened at the end."

Powering up