Mixed Bag for Bok Women Sevens in Sao Paulo: Grit and Injuries Define Brazil Leg

Karen Scheepers
3 days ago
2 min read

The Springbok Women’s Sevens navigated a turbulent weekend at the Estadio Nicolau Alayon in Sao Paulo, enduring a cascade of injuries and early setbacks to finish the final leg of the HSBC SVNS 2 series in fifth place. Despite a "depleted line-up" that at one stage left only eight players available, the South Africans showed immense fighting spirit to secure their ultimate goal: qualification for the elite HSBC SVNS World Rugby Championship.

A Challenging Start at Estadio Nicolau Alayon

Saturday proved to be a testing opening day for Cecil Afrika’s squad. The team suffered a lethargic 19-5 defeat to Spain followed by a narrow 14-5 loss to African rivals Kenya. System errors and a lack of cohesion were compounded by significant injury blows, most notably to captain and playmaker Nadine Roos, who sidelined by a knee injury.

The day was salvaged by a resilient 26-12 victory over hosts Brazil. With Roos, Shannon-Lee Windvogel, and Simamkele Namba all ruled out, Ayanda Malinga stepped up with two quick-fire tries to restore confidence heading into Sunday.

Sunday: Defying the Odds with Eight Players

The injury crisis reached a peak on Sunday, with five key players, Roos, Namba, Liske Lategan, Windvogel, and Patience Mokone, all unavailable. Facing the tournament's top sides with a bare-bones roster, the South Africans fell 19-5 to log-leaders Argentina.

However, the weekend ended on a high note against China. Trailing 10-0 at halftime, the "Green and Gold" produced a stunning comeback. Asisipho Plaatjies ignited the revival before former netball star Shanidiné Bezuidenhout ghosted through a gap to score her first international try, sealing a 14-10 win.

Final HSBC SVNS 2 Standings & Stats

South Africa finished the three-tournament series (Nairobi, Montevideo, and Sao Paulo) in third place overall, successfully punching their ticket to the World Championship Series alongside Argentina, Spain, and Brazil.

Team	Final Series Points
1. Argentina	54
2. Spain	50
3. South Africa	46
4. Brazil	42

Top Series Performers for SA:

Points: Nadine Roos (61), Maria Tshiremba (40)
Tries: Maria Tshiremba (8), Ayanda Malinga (6)
Defense: The team finished the series with a 79% tackle completion rate, the second-best defensive record in the competition.

Looking Ahead: The "Big Dance" in Hong Kong

Coach Cecil Afrika praised the "character and fight" of the squad, highlighting the growth of debutants like Bezuidenhout and Maceala Samboya. While the medical team monitors the recovery of the "injured core," the focus now shifts to the HSBC SVNS World Rugby Championship, where the standard will rise significantly against powerhouses like New Zealand and Australia.

World Championship Schedule: