Tough return to Test action for Springbok Women

The Canadians, ranked fourth in the world, were relentless against a Bok Women pack who lost Catha Jacobs (flanker) to a red card for a dangerous tackle after six minutes, while injuries robbed them of Danelle Lochner (lock) after half and hour, and Aseza Hele (No 8) at the break.

Playing against a team known for their forward prowess bereft of a number of key forwards was always going to be a tough ask and in the end, the impressive and experienced Canadians outscored the Springbok Women by 10 tries to one.

The score was 35-0 at the break but the South Africans had a few opportunities which went begging. The women in red added five more tries after the break as the Springbok Women were made to pay for some weak tackling, while Nomawethu Mabenge, who impressed with her usual strong running, scored a beautiful five-pointer for SA.

The try came after Shaunique Hess made a good tackle, the Bok Women won a turnover and Mabenge found space after running over two Canadians. Libbie Janse van Rensburg kicked a beautiful conversion.

Scorers:

Canada 66 (35) - Tries: Sabrina Poulin, Sarah-Maude Lachance (2), Paige Farries, Fancy Bermudez (2), Julia Schell, Sara Svoboda, Fancy Bermudez, Renee Gonzalez. Conversions: Sophie de Goede (6), Emma Taylor (2).

Springbok Women 7 (0) - Try: Nomawethu Mabenge. Conversion: Libbie Janse van Rensburg.