In a match that can be described as a stop-start affair, with referee Julie Randriarimanana of Madagascar making a number of interesting calls that baffled the South Africans. One such a call handed Kenya a free kick for a mark taken from a ball that bounced before the player caught it.
However, you can only play what is in front of you and credit to the Springbok Women who refused to stop tackling all day. They will be disappointed in their finishing though as at least two clear try scoring opportunities went abegging.
The match was very tense towards the end, when the Kenyans came back from being 12-0 down at the break, to score the last two tries of the match, but some brave defensive work by the Bok replacements proved decisive.
In fact, the six-two split on the bench worked out well for the South Africans, who lost lock and captain Anathi Qolo early in the second half. Replacement Dineo Ndhlovu did well, while flanker Nobuhle Mjwara scored a crucial try in the 68th minute.
The Bok Women started the match with real purpose. A strong scrum set up a string of penalties to the South Africans as Kenya had to resort to desperate measures to keep their opponents away, but strangely enough, no yellow cards were forthcoming for the repeated offences.
Lerato Makua faces a wall of Kenyan defenders.
That pressure had the desired effect four minutes in when Aphiwe Ngwevu (centre) ran the perfect line following some good driving play by her pack. Mary Zulu (flyhalf) converted, and the Bok Women were up and running early.
Kenya recovered well and managed to get some possession in good positions, working their way up field, but relentless defence kept them away from the SA red zone.
A yellow card to Xoliswa Khuzwayo after a second defensive infringement gave the Kenyans more space and their best chance in the half came shortly after when they attacked down the left. They had numbers to spare, but a timely intercept by Simamkele Namba (wing) saved the day for South Africa as play was moved back into the Kenyan half of the field and their chance gone.
The Bok Women managed to work their way towards the Kenyan line and when their opponents were penalised for holding on, opted for a penalty kick. Zulu's effort struck the uprights and the opportunity to extend the lead was lost.
It did not last long though as Lerato Makua crashed over minutes later. The try came from a good run by wing Patience Mokone and after the ball was recycled, the Bok flanker was on hand to finish despite a number of defenders desperately clinging on. Zulu's conversion hit the upright again and 35 minutes in, SA led 12-0.
Mary Zulu looks to send the ball wide.
South Africa started the second half best as well, although it was defence, rather than attack that kept them on the front foot.
Their defence kept every Kenyan attack at bay, with the red jerseys often having to relieve pressure with kicks downfield where fullback Byrhandré Dolf did well on the counter-attack. A number of those runs had Kenya in trouble, but some loose passing spoiled the SA effort.
Simamkele Namba then crossed the line following another good run by Dolf, but the final pass was ruled forward, much to the Bok wing’s surprise. The lead was finally extended to 19-0 when Mjwara scored her first Test try and when Zulu converted and with 10 minutes left, it seemed a done deal for the Springbok Women.
Kenya had other plans though and hit back with two quick tries, which made for an uneasy finish by the defending champions, who then also lost Namba to the sin bin, but they hung on for the win.
South Africa's final match of the campaign is on Sunday afternoon at 14h00 (SA time) against the host nation, Madagascar.
Scorers:
Springbok Women 19 (12) - Tries: Aphiwe Ngwevu, Lerato Makua, Nobuhle Mjwara. Conversions: Mary Zulu (2).
Kenya 12 (0) - Tries: Freshia Awino, Noleen Khaleyi. Conversion: Sinaida Mokaya.
