| Scots defeated in South African opener |
| Saturday, 05 June 2010 | |
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Scotland 8 - 27 South Africa Blue skies and temperatures in the 70s greeted Scotland's Women as they ran out at Lasswade to take on South Africa in the opening World Cup warm-up double header against the southern hemiphere opposition. Their opponents had enjoyed more game time over recent months and it showed. Though both sides made their fair share of errors, Scotland only produced glimpses on the side that overcame France in the same location five months earlier. Head coach Gary Parker said: "Today was disappointing. We looked like a team that hadn't played together in two and a half months - we hadn't played together for that time. "South Africa looked more cohesive. We defended well in spells but made too many mistakes. "We were beaten by a better side."
The match kicked off with promise, Melrose full back Nicola Halfpenny putting the home side ahead after one minute with a well-aimed penalty. South Africa pounced on their chances after the restart, Siyolo charging upfield to pass back...straight into captain Lynne Reid's hands. The ensuing period of play, however, ended with a penalty going South Africa's way, Meiring nailing the kick to even the scoreline, 3-3, after nine minutes. As South Africa surged towards Scotland's line again, Watsonians' hooker Sarah-Louise walker's thumping tackles delayed progress followed by an unsuccessful drop-goal attempt for the opposition just short of the half-hour mark. Minutes later, however, South Africa's pressure play payed off with a try (uncoverted) for their number 8, Siyolo (3-8). At the restart, the action moved back into South Africa's half, a series of pick-and-chases closing in on the try line but falling short. Half time: 3-8 With no changes to either side at half time, the game was there for the taking by either team. It was South Africa who upped the pace and improved their handling to cross the line two minutes after the restart, however, as captain Mandisa Williams saw the gap and took her chance to cross the whitewash. Meiring failed to clear the uprights and the score stood at 3-13. Scotland then made their first substitution with new cap, Saracens lock Michelle Napier, ending her first outing in the blue shirt. A missed penalty attempt from South Africa was followed by a yellow card and ten minutes' out of the game for their flanker, Lamla Momoti. The run of play swiftly turned Scotland's way with pocket rocket outside centre, Lucy Millard, weaving through the opposition to fly over the line and add five points to Scotland's tally after 57 minutes, the try going uncoverted (8-13).
Going into the last period, frantic activity ensued, with South Africa the more ready to take any chances that came their way - a lucky bounce of the ball sent Lorinda Brown storming over the line, the try coverted by Meiring to put the visitors further ahead (8-20). A flurry of substitutions for both sides in the last fifteen minutes triggered a surge from the Scots, however it was South Africa who, again, took their chances, made the break and saw Zenay Jordaan convert her own score to put the game beyond Scotland's reach (8-27). It was to the Scots' credit that they continued to pile on the pressure until the last, a great run of play in the final minutes including a crowd-pleasing backflip of the ball along the line by replacement prop, Louise Gray. A second yellow card came the visitors' way in the closing minutes, following an infringement by Lorinda Brown, heralding the end of the match. Final score: 8-27 Scotland's debut cap, Saracens' lock Michelle Napier, said: "It was great, and very enjoyable, but a tough match and very physical. But now we know what we're up against and we'll soend tonight and tomorrow taking stock and preparing for out match with South Africa next weekend."
Attendance: 186 Player of the match: Namhla Siyolo (South Africa) Referee: Claire Daniels (RFU) SCOTLAND WOMEN 15 Nicola HALFPENNY (Melrose) 1 Heather LOCKHART (Hillhead / Jordanhill) Replacements
15 Yolanda MEIRING 1 Nedene BOTHA Replacements Scotland Women begin their World Cup preparations with two capped tests against South Africa (Saturday 5 and Saturday 12 June) and a non cap training fixture against Ireland on Sunday18 July (all at Lasswade RFC, kicking off at 1pm, admission free.) SCOTLAND WOMEN RUGBY WORLD CUP SCHEDULE Friday 20 August Canada v Scotland (kick-off: 12noon) Fourth round matches Wednesday 1 September Pool games will be played at Surrey Sports Park.
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