Italy give SA women a dosage of reality
MATCH REPORT: South Africa's dream of a tournament win in WXV Two ended in misery on Saturday.
Italy, who won both previous meetings between the sides, beat hosts South Africa 23-19 in a tense encounter at the Athlone Sports Stadium, in Cape Town.
The Azzurre women will now climb to eighth with their third win against the SA women.
It also ended the home team's hope of snatching a WXV Two tournament win.
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South Africa showed intent and tenacity – particularly after the break – and came within one score of securing a famous win.
Swys de Bruin’s charges made an early statement at the scrum and maul, and when Babalwa Latsha (tighthead prop) crashed over the tryline in the seventh minute, they were well in control of the contest.
But the complexion of the game changed after Chumisa Qawe (inside centre) was shown a yellow card for a high tackle in the 15th minute, and the hosts were forced to defend with 14 players.
Italy converted their chances deep in South African territory, with outside centre Michela Sillari dotting down and prop Silvia Turani scoring a brace.
If not for two wayward conversion attempts by Sillari, the visitors may have led by more than 10 points at half-time.
De Bruin deployed his replacements in the 46th minute and the reserves made an immediate impact at the set pieces and collisions.
Italy repelled South Africa for a brief period, before Aseza Hele (replacement loose forward) powered over the tryline.
Nadine Roos (flyhalf) provided the spark for the South Africa’s third try, counter-attacking from deep and finding plenty of teammates in support.
The sweeping run was eventually finished by Ayanda Malinga (wing), who rounded the cover defence to score under the posts. Roos proceeded to kick her team into a 19-17 lead.
Italy regained the advantage in the 63rd minute.
South African replacement scrumhalf Unam Tose was sent to the sin bin for a reckless tackle, and Italy centre Beatrice Rigoni slotted a penalty goal from right in front.
The SA women battled to exit their half during Tose's absence, and conceded yet another penalty within kicking distance. Rigoni extended Italy’s lead to six points.
With time running out, South Africa marched downfield and created a series of opportunities, but ultimately failed to control the ball at the crucial moment.
The scorers
For South Africa
Tries: Latsha, Hele, Malinga
Cons: Roos 2
For Italy
Tries: Turani 2, Sillari
Con: Sillari
Pens: Rigoni 2
Yellow card: Chumisa Qawe (South Africa, 15 - foul play, high tackle), Unam Tose (South Africa, 63 - foul play, high tackle)
Teams:
South Africa: 15 Eloise Webb, 14 Nomawethu Mabenge, 13 Zintle Mpupha, 12 Chumisa Qawe, 11 Ayanda Malinga, 10 Nadine Roos, 9 Tayla Kinsey, 8 Sizophila Solontsi, 7 Catha Jacobs, 6 Lusanda Dumke, 5 Vainah Ubisi, 4 Nolusindiso Booi (captain), 3 Babalwa Latsha, 2 Lindelwa Gwala, 1 Yonela Ngxingolo.
Replacements: 16 Micke Gunter, 17 Sanelisiwe Charlie, 18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 19 Danelle Lochner, 20 Sinazo Mcatshulwa, 21 Aseza Hele, 22 Unam Tose, 23 Byrhandrè Dolf.
Italy: 15 Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi, 14 Aura Muzzo, 13 Michela Sillari, 12 Beatrice Rigoni, 11 Francesca Granzotto, 10 Veronica Madia, 9 Sofia Stefan (Captain), 8 Francesca Sgorbini, 7 Alissa Ranuccini, 6 Beatrice Vernonese, 5 Giordana Duca, 4 Valeria Fedrighi, 3 Sara Seye, 2 Vittoria Vecchini, 1 Silvia Turani.
Replacements: 16 Laura Gurioli, 17 Emanuela Stecca, 18 Gaia Maris, 19 Alessandra Frangipani, 20 Elana Errichiello, 21 Emma Stevanin, 22 Sara Mannini, 23 Beatrice Capomaggi.
Referee: Precious Pazani (Zimbabwe)
Assistant referees: Amelia Luciano (USA) & Maria Latos (Germany)
TMO: Estelle Whaiapu (New Zealand)