WXV2
SOUTH AFRICA 31 – 24 JAPAN
Japan struck first in the 10th minute of a see-saw first half, as hooker Kotomi Taniguchi profited from a powerful lineout drive. Aseze Hele powered over twice for the Springbok Women, with her two tries either side of Japan fly half’s Ayasa Otsuka’s score. Chumisa Qawe who burrowed over from close range for South Africa, before loose-head prop Sanelisiwe Charlie slid over the line, to extend the ‘Boks dominance on the match.
The Springbok Women stretched the advantage early in the second half, as Ayanda Malinga scored her 11th test try in only her ninth appearance. Japan then responded with two tries in four minutes, through number eight Seina Saito. Vainah Ubisi wrapped up the match as she crashed over following another dominant South African drive, to secure the win for the Springbok Women.
AUSTRALIA 37 – 5 WALES
It was the Wallaroos who opened the scoring through Layne Morgan in the 21st minute. Wales were back level 10 minutes later, as Carys Phillips went over at the back of a line-out drive Momentum swing in Australia’s favour on the stroke of half-time, as tighthead prop Eve Karpani brushed off several tackles to score a sensational solo try.
The Wallaroos cut loose in the final 16 minutes, running in a further four tries to take the game away from their opponents. Maya Stewart scored the first and last of that batch of scores, while Faitala Moleka rounding off a fine performance with a try, before replacement Lori Cramer got the other, as well as two conversions.
ITALY 0 – 19 SCOTLAND
Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm and Italy second row Giordana Duca led out the teams, as they each celebrated earning their 50th caps. Chloe Rollie to slide over in the right corner for Scotland’s opening score, following a nice assist from Emma Orr. Scotland doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time as Lana Skeldon touched down following a powerful line-out drive and Helen Nelson supplied the extras in equally impressive fashion.
As the rain lashed down in Cape Town that is how the score remained until the final five minutes, when the defending WXV2 champions created the space for winger Coreen Grant to canter over.