Springbok Women’s hopes have dwindled further after losing another match last weekend. South Africa was overplayed by Fiji who won 21-17 in the final minutes of the world cup match played at Waitakere Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand.
The ladies played Fiji knowing that it was a formidable opponent, but they hoped to achieve success because they played well in the first game even when they were beaten by France 40-5.
The match between South Africa and Fiji was tied in the second half. Things changed a little after Janse van Rensburg scored a penalty that gave the Springbok Women hope of winning the match for the first time in the world tournament.
Things went awry after Fiji scored to go above South Africa, who will face England in their next match. “It is sad for us because we wanted to beat Fiji. But I want to applaud Fiji for the last-minute try,” said Raubenheimer.
“Winning a game in your first world tournament debut is a big thing. I congratulate them. Without a doubt, we are disappointed, but we should not dwell too much on it. We had chances but we were punished for not ensuring that we win the game. We let Fiji do as they please in the game. The way things happened, it is not what we envisioned,” said Raubenheimer after the game.
Even though the Springbok Women have an uphill battle when they meet England on Sunday, Raubenheimer says they will fight to win the next game.
“We will be examined by doctors and then we will return to the battle. The game between us and England is very big. We are here because we wanted to gauge our abilities against the big teams and the best in the world of rugby. We have an obstacle ahead of us. It is the coaches who will decide how to play. We are not out of this competition even though we are disappointed by the results of the last game,” concluded Raubenheimer.
The captain of the team, Nolusindiso Booi, said that it is difficult to accept the way they were beaten by Fiji.
Imvumi yaseNgqeleni ibuye neembasa ezimbini kwiiMAMAs!