Publications
Partners
Johannesburg - The South African women's rugby team launched a great second-half comeback but it was not enough to overcome Wales, who secured a 29-17 victory in the Women's Rugby World Cup ninth-place playoff in Guildford, England on Sunday.
Wales led 17-0 at half-time, scoring two quick tries just before the break when South Africa had two players off the field for yellow cards. The Welsh then effectively took the match away when left wing Mared Evans scored straight from the restart, increasing their lead to 24-0.
Flyhalf Zenay Jordaan, only 19, again showed great commitment in the tackle and deservedly scored South Africa's first try 10 minutes after the break.
Hooker Rhian Bowden hooker then stretched the Welsh lead again with their fifth try of the match, but South Africa launched their comeback, scoring two tries through wing Phumeza Gadu.
Captain Mandisa Williams conceded afterwards that they made too many unforced errors in the first half which allowed Wales to dominate all aspects of the match.
"We had a terrible first half. Our discipline was not good and we paid for that with two yellow cards, while defensive lapses also allowed them two tries that could have been prevented," said Williams.
She added, however, that the experience gained was of great value to the team, who were on average the youngest squad at the tournament.
"We had many youngsters who played in their first World Cup and they learnt a lot by playing against top sides like New Zealand and Australia," Williams said.
South Africa's coach, Denver Wannies, said he was disappointed not to end the tournament on a winning note.
"Wales capitalised on our mistakes, especially in the first half," he said.
"We did not show enough protection of the ball. Our discipline was also not good and Wales took advantage of that when we had two players in the sin bin."
Scorers:
Wales: Tries: Naomi Thomas (2), Mared Evans (2), Rhian Bowden. Conversions: Awen Thomas (2).
South Africa: Tries: Zenay Jordaan, Phumeza Gadu (2). Conversion: Yolanda Meiring.
