De Bruin hails never-say-die Bok Women

REACTION: It was a battle of epic proportions as Springbok Women almost salvaged a draw against the Wallaroos in the WXV 2 Round Two fixture at the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town.

Trailing 12-33 in the last quarter of the match, South Africa Women produced one epic comeback inspired by the replacements affectionately known as the 'Bomb Squad'.

The hosts scored two late tries - courtesy of Zintle Mpupha and Micke Gunter -  and could have snatched a late draw in the final minute.

However, a last-ditch steal by Ash Marsters saw Wallaroos secure a 33-26 victory.

Although the Bok Women did not record a win, Performance Coach Swys de Bruin was more than happy with his team's determination during the encounter.

"I am so proud of them," De Bruin said, adding: "The guts they showed.

"We've never scored a try against Australia and today we scored four tries.

"It was a fantastic effort. We have a saying in our team 'What happens to us, happens for us' so if it was meant to be we would have scored in the end.

"But I don't have a better word, just extremely proud."

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The coach admitted the pace of Wallaroos wings was a very big challenge for his side.

"We should not forget that this Australian team are unlucky to play in this competition, they usually play in the WXV 1.

"They are a top-tier team with very good athletes, they have the fastest wings that you could find.

"And credit to them they did burn us on the edges, three of their tries were just really outflanking us and pure pace."

In terms of injury concerns, De Bruin revealed that Jakkie Cilliers looks set to miss next week's match against Italy.

The coach revealed the back sustained a bad cut to the forehead.

"It is a bad cut. I hope and pray she is fine.

"She is our kicker and to lose her so early really impacted our game.

"She would have to see a specialist."

De Bruin also revealed that the other kicking option Libbie Janse Van Rensburg, who missed the Round Two match, sustained an Achilles injury and will not be available for the rest of the tournament.

"The Achilles is a bit of a problem, so we won't have her.

"However it is a chance for someone else to step up. Byrhandre Dolf did quite well."

The Bok Women will take on Italy in the final round of WXV 2 action next week at Athlone Stadium.