Following a thrilling, hard-fought series against the US Eagles, the Springbok Women have proven they have the skill and heart to go toe-to-toe with the world's elite. Next stop: Fiji. Photo: AFP
The Springbok Women's two-Test series against the US Eagles ultimately delivered exactly what coach Swys de Bruin had hoped for: proof that his side belongs among the world's leading teams, coupled with a timely reminder that there is still plenty of work to do.
A week after dismantling the world No 8 side 34-21 at Ellis Park with arguably the finest half of rugby under De Bruin's tenure, the Bok Women were brought back down to earth in an error-strewn 26-19 defeat at Loftus Versfeld as the Eagles squared the series.
On paper, honours finished even. In reality, South Africa may have gained far more than they lost.
Before the opening Test in Johannesburg there were lingering questions about whether last year's Women's Rugby World Cup quarter-final appearance was evidence of genuine progress. Those doubts have now largely been answered.
