By Staff Reporter
The Springbok Women ended their European tour with back-to-back victories after shutting out Spain 20-0 in Seville on Sunday.
South Africa scored three tries at La Cartuja through Catha Jacobs, Aseza Hele and Jakkie Cilliers, while Cilliers added a conversion and penalty in the final WXV Global Series match of the tour.
The victory followed last weekend’s 41-29 win over Italy and completed a strong recovery after the Springbok Women opened the tour with a 50-19 defeat to Wales.
South Africa had to wait until the 14th minute to break down Spain, with Jacobs crossing after the visitors worked through several phases inside the Spanish 22.
Cilliers converted to make it 7-0 before adding a penalty in the 30th minute as South Africa took a 10-0 advantage into half-time.
Spain threatened during the opening half, including a break by Claudia Peña which took the hosts close to the South African line, but the Springbok Women’s defence held firm.
South Africa began to assert greater control after the break, particularly at scrum time, and Hele powered over from close range to extend the lead to 15-0.
Cilliers then finished off another South African attack in the 67th minute to score the third try and take the visitors to 20-0.
Spain continued searching for a consolation score, but the Springbok Women maintained their defensive discipline to complete the clean sheet.
Lock Vainah Ubisi was named Player of the Match after another influential performance in the South African pack.
Springbok Women co-coach Franzel September said the coaching staff were pleased with what the team had produced in difficult conditions.
“We are very proud of the ladies, who stuck to their guns today in very hot conditions,” September said.
“To come to Spain and score 20 points without conceding any points is a good day.”
September also highlighted the importance of South Africa’s discipline as the side continues its longer-term preparations.
“One of our aims is to be the best disciplined side at the next World Cup, and we set a good standard towards that today,” he said.
SA Rugby described the victory as a constructive conclusion to the team’s WXV Global Series tour, while the result was South Africa’s seventh successive win over Spain.
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