Bok Women survive late rally from Kenya to maintain unbeaten run

THE Springbok Women’s poor ball retention almost came back to bite them as they survived a late onslaught to hold off the Kenya Lionesses 19-12 in their Rugby Africa Women's Cup clash at the Stade Makis in Antananarivo, Madagascar yesterday.

- ASHFAK MOHAMED

The South Africans — who thrashed Uganda 62-7 in their tournament opener — were dominant in the opening 40 minutes, but could only muster 12 points from two tries and a conversion. The Bok Women, who are using the tournament as preparation for the World Cup in September, got stuck into the Kenyans from the start.

The forwards, with the likes of tighthead prop Nombuyekezo Mdliki, captain and lock Anathi Qolo and hooker Luchell Hanekom prominent, made serious inroads on attack with their strong carries, and they were backed up by backs such as wing Patience Mokone and fullback Byrhandré Dolf.