The South Africans scored nine tries against the host nation and they will leave Madagascar with many positives as the Rugby World Cup in England moves into view.
Their tries had a bit of everything, with the hard running of Aphiwe Ngwevu and the elusive finishing from Patience Mokone earning them two apiece, while Byrhandré Dolf not only created many attacking opportunities, but also scored a brace. Mary Zulu converted all five first half tries for a 35-0 scoreline at the break.
Faith Tshauke opened the scoring the third minute. South Africa attacked well to the left and the right, with several eager ball carriers all gaining ground. When it was moved back down the left, the flanker found open space and scored. Zulu converted to put her side 7-0 up.
Madagascar only knows one style of play and that is to make the ball move along the hands. They handled well with a strong wind in their faces, but never really made any ground as the Bok Women’s defence kept them pinned in their half. A few “going nowhere slowly attacks” forced the home side to kick and handed possession back to South Africa, who made the most of it 10 minutes in.
A strong scrum by South Africa and good play with Mokone coming off the blind side wing saw her dotting down. Zulu converted for a 14-0 lead. A jinking run by Dolf was ruined with a forward pass and another handling error spoiled a potential try for South Africa, but they remained fully in control.
Madagascar kept plugging away though and had two good moments where they breached the SA line, but generally they were too predictable to outfox the defence.
Dolf finally scored following some good interplay by the backs after some strong driving play by the pack. Zulu converted for a 21-0 lead 23 minutes in before Mokone got her second with a delightful in and out that left her opponent stranded. The winger ran around to give Zulu a better angle and the successful conversion made it 28-0 after as many minutes.
Zulu then lost the ball over the line with the Bok Women starting to chase try glory instead of sticking to their structures. They were camped in the Maki’s 22 for at least five minutes but could not get through as they became too individualistic.
Credit to the team, who self-corrected and returned to their set piece structure and they were rewarded when Dolf was worked into space on the blind side after a number of good attacking rucks. Zulu converted and they were up 35-0 at the break.
Byrhandre Dolf was elusive on the attack and scored two tries against Madagascar.
The second half started well for the champions. Ngwevu broke through a number of tackles to score as she came off an angled run to extend the lead, with Zulu again on target for a 42-0 lead.
The Bok Women clearly tried to bring some structure back into their play in the second half, and it was a much more measured approach that yielded results. Unam Tose scored 10 minutes into the half following a good lineout drive by the pack which gave the scrumhalf space to dart around for a try. Zulu converted for a 49-0 lead.
Madagascar finally scored after 52 minutes, and it as well deserved. Véronique Eluriche Rasoanekena (centre) rounded a tight defensive set-up by South Africa and after a successful conversion, the Stade Makis faithful were starting to smile.
They had more to celebrate soon as the home side scored their second try without reply, again from some good flowing play and the SA defence not coming around the corner quickly enough and with 20 minutes left, the crowd finally came to life.
Nomawethu Mabenge (replacement wing) scored soon after she came onto the field to hand the momentum back to South Africa. A good turnover at a ruck by replacement prop Anuschka Ekron resulted in a 15th Test try for Mabenge and a 54-12 scoreline with 15 minutes to play.
The visiting bench did bring good energy, and the Bok Women had the best of the play in the last quarter of the match. Mokone was called back for what would have been her third, due to a forward pass, but not so for Ngwevu, who again took the shortest route to the line. Chuma Qawe converted for a 61-12 scoreline and a minute to play.
Madagascar had the last say however with a late try, which also resulted in a yellow card to Leigh Fortuin for a dangerous tackle, but the match was over and the South African celebrations could begin.
Scorers:
Springbok Women 61 (35) - Tries: Faith Tshauke, Patience Mokone (2), Byrhandré Dolf (2), Aphiwe Ngwevu (2), Unam Tose, Nomawethu Mabenge. Conversions: Mary Zulu (7), Chuma Qawe.
Madagascar 17 (0) - Tries: Véronique Eluriche Rasoanekena, Valisoa Erickah Razanakiniaina, Tiana Jinah Razanamahefa. Conversion: Zaya Zouanah Fanantenana.
