Springbok Women Stay Unbeaten with 47-20 Win Over Uganda in Nairobi
The Springbok Women remain unbeaten in the 2026 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup but were made to work hard for a 47-20 victory over Uganda in their second-round clash at the RFUEA Ground in Nairobi, Kenya on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.
There were moments of brilliance from the South Africans, but too many mistakes allowed their opponents to stay in the contest through a closely fought first half.
With ambitions of entrenching themselves among the world’s top 10, the Springbok Women know they can’t afford the volume of unforced errors and soft moments that crept into their first-half display. They appeared to struggle with the referee’s interpretation at the breakdown, lost too much possession and conceded too many penalties.
Uganda took a 12-0 lead inside the opening 12 minutes through two early tries as South Africa were slow out of the blocks, and although the title holders wrestled back control, it took them 37 minutes to move in front.
Shaunique Alexander scored on debut in the 17th minute, finishing in the left-hand corner after a strong run by Thandile Mazwi and good work to hold onto the ball in the Ugandan half.
Fellow wing Alichia Arries crossed in the 30th minute and, with Jakkie Cilliers adding the conversion, the scores were level at 12-12.
Number eight Logan Welman then put South Africa ahead, crashing over for a converted try in the 37th minute after another powerful run and offload by Mazwi to make it 19-12.
Debutant lock Zethu Gcaza was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle shortly before the interval, and Uganda made it count with their third try to close the gap to 19-17 at the break.
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The Springbok Women improved after the restart, keeping Uganda scoreless until a last-minute penalty goal while their bench made an impact, although it was still not the commanding performance they would have wanted.
Two converted tries inside the first 12 minutes of the second half, by Thamie Yeko from a quick-tap penalty and a maiden Test try for Naima Hlatshwayo, opened up daylight, but the East Africans refused to lie down. It took another 16 minutes for South Africa to score again, Faith Tshauke going over from a strong lineout drive.
Arries grabbed her second try when the ball was moved wide from a lineout steal, and Cilliers’ conversion, her sixth from seven attempts, rounded off a scrappy but successful afternoon for the Springbok Women.
Rugby Africa Women’s Cup at the RFUEA Ground in Nairobi, Kenya on 27 May 2026
South Africa 47 (19) – 20 (17) Uganda
Springbok Women
Tries: Shaunique Alexander, Alichia Arries (2), Logan Welman, Thamie Yeko, Naima Hlatshwayo, Faith Tshauke
Conversions: Cilliers (6)
Uganda
Tries: Peace Lekuru, Gertrude Kateesa, Mastula Nambozo
Conversion: Bushira Namutebi
Penalty goal: Namutebi
Springbok Women Results and Fixtures at the 2026 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup at the RFUEA Ground in Nairobi, Kenya from 23 May to 31 May 2026 (All times SAST)
Sat 23 May, 13h00: South Africa 64-5 Madagascar
Wed 27 May, 13h00: South Africa 47-20 Uganda
Sun 31 May, 15h00: South Africa v Kenya
Springbok Women Starting XV and Bench v Uganda
1. Yonela Ngxingolo
2. Roseline Botes
3. Thandile Mazwi
4. Zethu Gcaza
5. Nomsa Mokwai
6. Ntsako Mbombi
7. Anathi Qolo (captain)
8. Logan Welman
9. Insaaf Levy
10. Mary Zulu
11. Shaunique Alexander
12. Naima Hlatshwayo
13. Jakkie Cilliers
14. Alichia Arries
15. Thamie Yeko
Replacements
16. Anushka Groenewald
17. Xoliswa Khuzwayo
18. Nombuyekezo Mdliki
19. Abigail Smit
20. Nobuhle Mjwara
21. Faith Tshauke
22. Anacadia Minnaar
23. Chuma Qawe
Original Copy: SA Rugby Communications, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: The Springbok Women maintained their unbeaten start to the 2026 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup with a 47-20 win over Uganda at the RFUEA Ground in Nairobi, Kenya, with Alichia Arries scoring twice and Jakkie Cilliers contributing six conversions. All Photos: Rugby Afrique
Photo 2 Caption: Player of the Match Logan Welman (pictured) and Naima Hlatshwayo were among the try-scorers ahead of the final match against Kenya.
Crédito: Link de origem