The competition got off to an exciting start with DHL Western Province, the defending champions, scoring a runaway victory, and well-deserved wins by Border Ladies and the EP Queens keeping fans glued to their screens.

DHL Western Province defeated the Boland Dames 38-6 in Cape Town, while Border Ladies secured a 17-11 home win in East London, and the EP Queens registered a 13-5 away-win against the Cell C Sharks Women in Durban.

“Dreams can come true and the historic event of having women’s rugby broadcast live has hopefully served as the necessary vision for young girls in South Africa to see what is possible,” said Raubenheimer, who was in attendance at the Cape Town match.

“The fact that we could see ladies perform at this level and giving their best in a showcase to the rest of the country, was a very good starting point.

“Hopefully this will snowball and get even bigger as we continually strive to improve the product that we would like to show the country.”

Raubenheimer added: “It was a great effort from all the players involved and I wish them success for the rest of the competition.”

All the scorers:

DHL Western Province 38 Boland Dames 6 

DHL Western Province – Tries: Alichia Arries (2), Felicia Jacobs, Vuyo Maqholo, Donelle Snyders, Sinazo Mcatshulwa. Conversions: Kirsten Conrad (2), Maqholo (2).

Boland Dames – Penalty goals: Demi Nel (2).

Border Ladies 17 Blue Bulls Women 11

Border Ladies – Tries: Yonela Ngxingolo, Lusanda Dumke, Aviwe Basana. Conversion: Teddy Nobanda.

Blue Bulls Women – Try: Catha Jacobs. Penalty goal: Libbie Janse Van Rensburg. Drop goal: Janse Van Rensburg.

Cell C Sharks Women 5 EP Queens 13

Cell C Sharks Women – Try: Nqobile Mhlangu.

EP Queens – Try: Sibabalwe Nombayeka. Conversion: Zenay Jordaan. Penalty goals: Jordaan (2).