South Africa Too Strong for Scotland

from SARugby.co.za:

The South African Women’s rugby team kicked off their World Cup warm-up series against Scotland in convincing fashion by beating the hosts 27-8 at Lasswade on Saturday.

The Springboks then defeated Wales 34-31 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff; overcame Scotland 27-8 at Lasswade in Scotland and the SA Under-20 team opened their IRB Junior World Championship campaign with a 40-14 victory over Tonga in Parana, Argentina.

It is the first time all three national fifteen-a-side teams have been in action on the same day. “I would like to congratulate the players and management of all three teams on such a successful start to their seasons,” said Mr Hoskins.

“Tougher days lie ahead for all of them I’m sure, but each has done us proud on the opening day of the international season. All three faced tricky assignments and what is doubly commendable is that the wins were all achieved away from home.”

Mr Hoskins praised Springbok coach Peter de Villiers and his squad for overcoming a confident Welsh team despite a less than ideal preparation, while the SA Under-20s were commended for overcoming the dangerous Tongans. He also offered special congratulations to the Women’s team as they continued their preparations for the IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup in England in August.

“Our women have made rapid strides in the last 12 months under coach Denver Wannies and the leadership of Mandisa Williams and do not have the benefit of regular competition such as Scotland have,” said Mr Hoskins. “This was their third successive Test victory and although they will not be among the favourites when we get to the World Cup later this year they are an underdog that has discovered its bite.”

The Springbok men’s and women’s teams are both in action again on Saturday when the Boks host France in Cape Town while the Women meet Scotland in the second Test. The SA Under-20s play the second of their Pool C matches against Scotland in Santa Fe on Wednesday.

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