The Springbok Women hit back strongly from last week’s disappointment against Wales to beat Italy in their second WXV Global Series match in Pordenone on Saturday.
Hooker Anushka Groenewald crossed twice, while flyhalf Byrhandre Dolf, winger Maria Tshiremba, replacement hooker Micke Gunter and replacement loose forward Logan Welman also scored in a 41-29 victory. The visitors led 24-12 at half-time.
Italy opened the scoring through winger Alyssa D’Inca, but South Africa quickly responded through Groenewald after two strong lineout drives. Dolf then ghosted through the defence before Groenewald scored her second from a 20m maul.
Tshiremba added another after a clever chip from replacement Libbie Janse van Rensburg, before Italy struck through hooker Vittoria Vecchini just before the break.
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The hosts dominated the opening 20 minutes of the second half, with South Africa also losing prop Yonela Ngxingolo to the sin bin.
D’Inca scored her second try before fullback Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi crossed, while fullback Jakkie Cilliers kicked a penalty.
Centre Michela Sillari then kicked another penalty to put Italy 29-27 ahead with 15 minutes remaining.
The lead was short-lived as Gunter was driven over from a tap penalty, with Cilliers converting to restore South Africa’s advantage.
The Bok Women then defended strongly as Italy pressed for another score in the closing stages.
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Italy thought they had found a way through, but centre Maceala Samboya produced a crucial try-saving tackle to deny them. A lineout steal followed, before Cilliers found touch with a superb 45m penalty kick to turn the pressure back on the hosts.
South Africa sealed the result when Welman crashed over from the back of a strong scrum, with Cilliers adding the conversion to complete a memorable victory.
ITALY WOMEN – Tries: Alyssa D’Inca (2), Vittoria Vecchini, Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi. Conversions: Michela Sillari (3). Penalty: Sillari.
SPRINGBOK WOMEN – Tries: Anushka Groenewald (2), Byrhandre Dolf, Maria Tshiremba, Micke Gunter, Logan Welman. Conversions: Jakkie Cilliers (4). Penalty: Cilliers.
Photo: @WomenBoks/X
