Resurgent Bok Women's Sevens rally to finish ninth in Spain

Encouraging performances in pool play against Australia, USA and Fiji showed what the Bok Women are capable of as they clearly came into the second of three HSBC SVNS World Championship tournaments much better prepared.

Their improved standing on the overall log, where they moved past Argentina and Great Britain into 10th, might not be enough to finish in the top eight, but if they continue these performances in Bordeaux next weekend, a miracle of sorts is possible.

Against Brazil, who were ninth on the standings coming into the match, the South Africans looked hungry on defence and despite conceding an early try, dominated their opponents' attack.

A handling error allowed Brazil to snatch possession to score a try under the sticks, with the conversion giving them a 7-0 lead. Unfortunately, Byrhandre Dolf had to leave the field with an injury at the same time.

That setback just invigorated the South African effort. Solid defence forced Brazil backwards as they had to attack from deeper all the time, where a handling error handed South Africa the possession they were after.

Ayanda Malinga almost broke through the defence, but the ball was turned over and an opportunity lost. However, on the halftime buzzer, Malinga was worked over in the corner for a well-deserved try.

Trailing 7-5, the second half showed the South Africans' hunger to win the game.

Maceala Samboya scored her first try at this level of sevens after running onto a delightful kick from Eloise Webb. The try, under the uprights, was converted and the Bok Women took a 12-7 lead.

The pressing defence continued and Brazil was on the back foot all the time, but still in the hunt for a win. However, a brilliant break by SA captain Zintle Mpupha sealed the deal and she scored under the sticks after breaking clear from the Brazil defence. Webb converted for a 19-7 lead.

In the final play of the match, Maria Tshiremba was yellow-carded for a dangerous tackle, and Brazil scored a late try, but the win in the bag was a great reward for the South African performance.

Scorers:

South Africa 19 (5) - Tries: Ayanda Malinga, Maceala Samboya, Zintle Mpupha. Conversions: Eloise Webb (2).

Brazil 12 (7) - Tries: Yasmim Soares, Camilla Carvalho. Conversions: Gisele Gomes Dos Santos (2).

READ MORE: Bulls coach Johan Ackermann heaps praise on Glasgow ahead of semifinal showdown