Springbok Woman survive Japan scare in WXV opener
The Springbok Women overcame a shaky start to clinch a 31-24 victory over Japan in the WXV 2 tournament opener in Cape Town on Friday.
With both teams already safely qualified for next year’s Rugby World Cup in England, the importance of this tournament rest each side’s log positioning, which will determine their ranking for the RWC pool draw.
In a see-saw battle that ebbed and flowed, they scored a combined eight tries, with the South Africans used their dominance up front to gain the ascendancy, while calling upon their sturdy defence in the final quarter; the Japanese put on a show full of enterprising play that often times flummoxed the Springboks.
But ultimately, it was power that triumphed over flair with the hosts emerging victorious.
MATCH RECAP: SPRINGBOK WOMEN VS JAPAN
Flyhalf Ayasa Otsuka was the destroyer-in-chief for the visitors, while Aseza Hele and Chumisa Qawe excelled for South Africa.
Japan dotted down twice in the first half, but South Africa erased a seven-point deficit to take a 17-12 lead into the break.
The clash of playing styles continued into the second half, but the big difference was that the Springbok Women cut down their high error count in the opposition half and that improvement was rewarded with another converted try to double their points advantage on the scoreboard to 24-12.
But Japan simply refused to lie down. They fought back with two tries in quick succession to lock the scores up at 24 apiece. However, an untimely yellow card to Otsuka proved costly just as they were finding their second wind.
The Springbok Women pounced on the player-advantage with Vainah Ubisi burning over for what proved to be the winning score.
There was still time and ample opportunity for Japan to snatch what would have been a deserved draw late in the game, but the Springbok Women called on their defence to seal the game.
Springbok Women — Tries: Aseza Hela, Chumisa Qawe, Sanelisiwe Charlie, Ayanda Malinga, Vainah Ubisi. Conversions: Jakkie Cilliers (3).
Japan — Tries: Kotomi Taniguchi, Ayasa Otsuka, Seina Saito. Conversions: Ayasa Otsuka, Misaki Matsumura.
AS A VIEWER, WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST TAKEAWAY FROM THE GAME?
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