The Springbok Women produced what coach Swys de Bruin called the finest rugby of his tenure to storm into a 29-0 lead, ultimately holding off a fierce second-half fightback from the USA Eagles. Photo: Backpagepix
For 40 minutes at Ellis Park on Saturday, the Springbok Women looked every bit a side ready to challenge the world's best.
They overpowered the higher-ranked US Women's Eagles through their set piece, dominated the collisions and attacked with a confidence rarely seen against top-tier opposition, racing into a commanding 29-0 half-time lead in what coach Swys de Bruin later described as the finest rugby of his tenure.
The second half, however, offered a timely reminder that South Africa's rise into the world's top 10 remains a work in progress. The US regrouped after the break to score three tries, exposing areas the Springbok Women know they must sharpen before the sides meet again at Loftus Versfeld next weekend.
Rather than dwelling on the drop in standards, De Bruin believes the performance provided "clear work-ons" ahead of the rematch.
