South Africa and Kazakhstan reach WRWC 2014

wrwc2014All of the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup Qualifiers are in the books! South Africa and Kazakhstan overcame Uganda and Japan respectively on Saturday.

In the Elgon Cup, South Africa defeated Uganda decisively 63-3 to return to the Women’s Rugby World Cup. The win by South Africa is the biggest win of their history and showed them to be an African powerhouse. Uganda played their hearts out but couldn’t seem to match South Africa’s experience on the field.

Meanwhile at the Asian Four Nations Championship, the drama was a bit more of a page turner as missed a crucial conversion in the last few moments to lose 25-23. From the kick off both teams struggled for dominance while both showing great defense and poise when under pressure. Japan scored first at the 15th minute when Kazakhstan was penzalized for being offsides; Yui Higuchi was able to slot the penalty kick. Ten minutes later it was Japan again as Marie Yamaguchi scored a try after a quick tap for another SA another penalty. Finally Kazakhstan was able to touch down when outside center Lyudmila Sherer outran the defense. This put the game Japan 15 Kazakhstan 10 at halftime.

After the break, the Kazahks came out with a renewed spirit and Sheer ran in a second try which was quickly followed by a try from captain Anna Yakovleva. Higuchi and Aigerym Daurembayeva traded penalties again before Japanese prop Seina Saito scored late. The crucial conversion to tie the match was missed and the final whistle blew to end the match.

The day’s other match in the Asian qualifier saw Singapore beat Hong Kong 17-15 after scoring a try in the last minute to claim third place.

2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup Guide

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