Bok Women overpower England age-group side in France tour opener

The Springbok Women kicked off their European tour in dominant fashion on Saturday, securing a commanding 50-17 victory over a youthful England side in Marcoussis, France. With a powerful scrum performance and some slick counterattacking rugby, the South Africans outclassed their opponents, scoring eight tries in total to cap off a successful first week on tour.

Leading 24-10 at halftime, the Bok Women never looked back. Winger Jakkie Cilliers starred with a personal haul of 20 points, scoring two tries and adding five conversions in blustery conditions. Her clinical finishing and accurate kicking provided the polish on a South African performance built on set-piece dominance and attacking flair.

Solid Foundations and Satisfying Execution

Assistant coach Franzel September praised the performance and the progress shown by the squad so early in the season.

“We saw a lot of different pictures today, most of them good, and that was a huge positive,” said September after the match. “We had a number of camps leading up to this tour, and to now have the players go out and execute those learnings was a good yardstick for us.”

September acknowledged there were still areas to improve but noted that the overall picture was encouraging.

“There are several work-ons, but that was expected in the team's first match of the season. So far, so good though,” he added.

With the team now heading to Spain for the next leg of their tour, the Bok Women will take confidence from this result into their upcoming Test fixture. September noted that the week in France provided valuable preparation.

“We’ve seen all the players in action and have a good sense of where they are,” he said. “I’m sure Bafana Nhleko was happy with the defence, while the forwards coaches are also smiling. We’re a set-piece team, and seeing that aspect function so well was pleasing.”

Fast Start and Physical Edge

The tone was set early when the Bok pack earned a penalty at the first scrum, immediately putting England under pressure. After a lineout drive from close range, hooker Luchell Hanekom powered over for the opening try, converted by Cilliers.

Just minutes later, Maceala Samboya dazzled with a stunning solo effort, weaving past defenders before dotting down under the posts. England responded through Ala Lutui, who finished off a lineout drive after South Africa turned over possession deep in their own territory. They added a second through Sophie Hopkins after a fortuitous bounce from a well-placed kick.

England's spirited first-half response cut the deficit to just four points midway through the first half, but South Africa regrouped. No. 8 Aseza Hele muscled her way over after a dominant scrum, and shortly thereafter, Cilliers crossed for her first try following a flowing move sparked by Samboya and centre Aphiwe Ngwevu.

Second-Half Showcase

As both sides rang the changes after halftime, it was the Bok women who found their rhythm first. Replacement hooker Xolelwa Diliza marked her debut in national colours with a try from a turnover, and Cilliers slotted the conversion to stretch the lead to 31–10.

England briefly threatened a comeback when Millie David scored a breakaway try, but South Africa closed out the match in emphatic style.

Prop Nombuyekeso Mdliki was rewarded for a powerful maul with a try of her own, and Cilliers completed her brace shortly thereafter thanks to a brilliant team counterattack that saw fullback Byrhandre Dolf step through traffic before offloading to the wing.

Chumisa Qawe rounded off the scoring after another sweeping move exposed England's defence once more, with the Bok women showing their depth and cohesion across the park.

With Spain up next, the Springbok Women have laid down a strong marker. If Saturday’s performance is anything to go by, there’s plenty to be excited about as the tour continues.

Final Score: Springbok Women 50 (24) – England 17 (10)

South Africa Tries: Luchell Hanekom, Maceala Samboya, Aseza Hele, Jakkie Cilliers (2), Xolelwa Diliza, Nombuyekeso Mdliki, Chumisa Qawe Conversions: Jakkie Cilliers (5)

England Tries: Sophie Hopkins, Ala Lutui, Millie David Conversion: Ella Cromack