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SEVILLE, SPAIN — The Springbok Women concluded their European WXV Global Series tour with a defensive masterclass on Sunday, shutting out Spain 20-0 in sweltering midday conditions at the Estadio Olímpico de la Cartuja.
A Complete Defensive Turnaround
Following a heavy opening defeat to Wales and a chaotic, high-scoring victory over Italy, Sunday’s performance was exactly what the coaching staff ordered. Co-head coaches Franzel September and Laurian Johannes-Haupt demanded defensive solidity, and the team delivered a flawless shutout.
Perhaps most impressively, the Springbok Women choked out the Spanish attack while maintaining perfect discipline, conceding zero cards and executing zero high tackles throughout the 80 minutes.
Overcoming Heat and Injury Adversity
The match tested South Africa’s resolve on multiple fronts. Kicking off at 12:00 with the Spanish sun beating down, the extreme heat dictated the pace of the game and necessitated two dedicated water breaks.
The pack also had to weather severe disruption. Experienced prop Babalwa Latsha was forced off early with an ankle injury, and Nombuyekezo Mdliki later left the field on a stretcher. Despite the chaos in the front row, the South African set-piece remained dominant. Lock Vainah Ubisi was an absolute powerhouse in the physical exchanges, rightfully earning the Player of the Match award for her efforts.
Breaking the Deadlock
After a fiercely contested and scoreless opening quarter, the Springbok Women finally found their rhythm. Sustained phase play inside the Spanish half created an opening for Catha Jacobs, who powered over the line to break the deadlock. Fullback Jakkie Cilliers added the conversion and a subsequent penalty to give South Africa a comfortable 10-0 lead heading into the sheds.
The visitors tightened their grip in the second half. Powerful No. 8 Aseza Hele barged her way over from close range to extend the advantage to 15-0. Spain launched desperate attacks in an attempt to reward their 2,000-strong home crowd, but the South African defensive wall refused to crack.
In the 67th minute, Cilliers finished off a sweeping team move to seal the 20-0 victory, capping off a 10-point personal haul.
Match Summary
Team | Tries | Conversions | Penalties | Final Score |
Spain | – | – | – | 0 |
South Africa | Jacobs, Hele, Cilliers | Cilliers (1) | Cilliers (1) | 20 |
Looking Ahead:
With two consecutive wins under their belt, the squad returns to South Africa on Tuesday. The tour serves as a massive confidence booster ahead of their next major challenge: a two-match Test series against Ireland on home soil in Cape Town later this month.
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