The Vodafone Fijiana XV may have fallen short of victory, but their vastly improved performance against the Springbok Women has earned praise from the South African coaching staff, who admit Fiji forced them to adapt and adjust their game plan.
Springbok Women assistant coach Franzel September says they expected Fijiana to come back stronger in the second Test after South Africa comfortably won the opening match 55-12, and Fiji did exactly that.
September described the 29-22 victory at Churchill Park in Lautoka as a proper Test match.
Fijiana made a strong start and took a 10-5 lead into half-time, while they led South Africa twice during the match.
September says the conditions were not easy, and the fired-up Fijiana side added to the challenge for the visitors.
He says Fiji's offloading game was particularly effective and tested South Africa in different areas, forcing his side to adapt and adjust their strategies during the match.
Despite the pressure from Fijiana, South Africa fought back in the second half, with debutant wing Maria Tshiremba scoring three tries to help secure the seven-point victory.
September says the coaches were pleased with Tshiremba's performance after backing her with selection for the match.
The victory completed a 2-0 series sweep for the Springbok Women and secured the inaugural Ubuntu–Bula Trophy.
The Springbok Women will face New Zealand's Black Ferns in Johannesburg early next month.
The South African squad will return home on Monday evening.
Source: Super Sports
