Springbok Women too strong for England age-group side in France

The Bok Women scored eight tries in total, with Jakkie Cilliers (wing) grabbing a brace and adding five conversions for a haul of 20 points in a match they dominated for large parts, while some excellent play by the South Africans on the counterattack also delivered at least two long range tries.

There were lapses in concentration while the young England side - consisting of mostly U20s but also some U23 players - deserve credit for never giving up as they scored twice in the first half and added one more try in the second.

Springbok Women assistant coach Franzel September said the match provided a lot of information to the coaches and the squad.

"We saw a lot of different pictures today, most of them good, and that was a huge positive," said September.

"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. They could express those learnings, first in the training against France and then today in a match against this England side."

September said there are several work-ons, but that was expected in the team's first match of the season: "So far, so good though."

The South Africans now travel to Spain and for September, the week in France served as excellent preparation for next weekend's Test.

"We have seen all the players in action and we have a good feeling of where they are," he said. "I am sure Bafana Nhleko was happy with the defence, while the forwards coaches are also smiling.

"We are a set piece team after all and to see the good work in those areas was pleasing. We can now head into Spain with good security in most areas of our game."

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