Much-improved Springbok Women push Great Britain to the wire in Paris

South Africa, participating in their first Olympics, startled the much more experienced Britons by taking a 12-7 lead at the break, before falling away in the second half, allowing Team GB to take the lead and seal the win.

Libbie Janse van Rensburg opened the scoring in the opening minute after Team GB knocked on near their own line and Ayanda Malinga was quick to swoop and delivered a try-scoring offload.

Nadine Roos converted and was on the scoresheet herself four minutes later, this time from an angled run and a timely pass from Malinga. However, a mistake from the restart gave Team GB their first points, but at 12-7 at the break, South Africa looked strong.

Two early errors, both from the restart, handed GB the lead in the opening minute of the second half.

A yellow card to GB gave South Africa a change to pull it back again when Roos turned provider to Malinga, who scored her first try of the tournament, but Team GB struck back decisively though with two late tries by Jasmine Joyce.

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