South Africa whip abject Kenya Lionesses

Photo Credit: KRU

RUGBY AFRICA WOMEN'S CUP South Africa whip abject Kenya Lionesses

Mark Kinyanjui 15:30 - 24.05.2023

Nomalwethu Mabenge scored four tries as South Africa brushed aside Kenya 48-0

A good early maul by the South Africans troubled Kenya before the ball was spread wide. Zintle Mpupha dot down for an 18th test try which was well converted by Libbie Janse van Rensburg to give them a 7-0 lead.

Nomawethu Mabenge added South Africa’s advantage in the 12th minute. A crunch tackle by Libbie Janse van Rensburg dislodged the ball from Kenya before swaying the counter-attack to the right wing through a wide pass by Lerato Makua and Mabenge ran at pace to touch the ball down.

Kenya tried to heap pressure on South Africa and forced them into making penalties, and they eventually won a penalty from nearly the halfway line, but Grace Adhiambo could not get the distance right with her resulting kick attempt.

South Africa would make it three tries on the bounce and 19 points ahead through Mabenge yet again moments later when she ran at pace down the right flank, tearing past a helpless Kenya defense before touching the ball down.

There was a momentary pause when captain Sheila Chajira was asked to leave the pitch after appearing to suffer an injury. She reluctantly came off and had to be replaced by

Grace Adhiambo then got sent off momentarily after receiving a yellow card for infringement Chumisa Qawe scored after South Africa took good advantage of their front row carrying and Kenya being a woman less. The scores, 34-0 at the break.

The Kenyans just simply could not get going, and South Africa started just like they did in the first through a try though Zintle Mpupha to make it 41-0.

Kenya managed to find momentum and gave South Africa a run for their money and threatened on a couple of occasions to reduce the deficit but did not take their chances, and Mabenge scored her fourth try to sink Kenya’s hopes of coming back. The score line 48-0.

Tags: