Rugby Africa Women’s Cup: South Africa dominates Kenya in Madagascar

The Kenya Lionesses’ disappointing streak persisted in the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup as they suffered a resounding 63-5 defeat against South Africa’s Springbok in their second match at the Stade Makis on Wednesday afternoon.

Under the guidance of coach Paul Murunga, the Lionesses were coming off a narrow 29-22 loss to hosts Madagascar in their opening pool match, hoping to improve their chances of clinching a podium finish.

The Springboks wasted no time in asserting their dominance, with Lusanda Dumke scoring the first try of the match. Despite a missed conversion attempt, the South Africans continued to mount pressure, building an impenetrable defensive wall that thwarted the Lionesses' attempts to gain possession.

Sikholiwe Mdletshe extended South Africa’s lead with another well-executed try, although the conversion attempt was unsuccessful. The Lionesses struggled with handling errors, conceding possession to the Springboks, who capitalized on their opportunities to score a third try through Aphiwe Ngwevu, expertly finished by Jacomina Cilliers.

Mdletshe added another try before the Lionesses managed to respond with an unconverted try by Rose Otieno. However, the Springboks maintained their momentum, scoring another try just before halftime through Vainah Ubisi, with Cilliers adding the extras.

Rugby Africa Women's Cup: Kenya Lionesses make changes ahead of South Africa duel

In the second half, the Springboks further widened the gap with five additional tries, including a brace from Nomawethu Mabenge and tries from Gwala and Cilliers. Cilliers’ accurate kicking added two conversions, sealing a comprehensive victory for the South African side and deepening the Lionesses' disappointment.

The Lionesses will be in the hunt for the first win when they tackle Cameroon in the final match slated for Sunday, May 12.

The Rugby Africa Women’s Cup holds significant implications for the region, with the champions securing a direct berth to RWC 2025.

This competition marks a milestone in the evolution of women’s rugby, underpinned by enhanced competition structures, high-performance pathways, and a streamlined qualification process, poised to propel the sport to unprecedented heights.

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Lionesses squad to face South Africa

15. Diana Omosso, 14. Diana Awino, 13. Esther Juma, 12. Faith Livoi, 11. Terry Ayesa, 10. Anne Ochieng, 9. Winnie Awino, 1. Rose Otieno, 2. Knight Otuoma, 3. Natasha Emali (C), 4. Naomi Jelagat, 5. Hesla Khisa, 6. Mitchelle Akinyi, 7. Maureen Chebet, 8. Enid Ouma

REPLACEMENTS 16. Mitchelle Atieno, 17. Jane Chanya, 18. Sheilah Wesa, 19. Nolin Khaleyi, 20. Diana Kemunto, 21. Mitchelle Alivitsa, 22. Hellen Anyango, 23. Carol Nyamwamu