Elsewhere, the Border Ladies secured fourth place on the log with a 27-22 win over the EP Queens in Mdantsane and the Sharks Women heaped more misery on the Golden Lions Women in Krugersdorp with a 33-22 victory to hand the Gautengers their seventh consecutive defeat for the season.

The match at Rosina Paarwater Stadium, played in blustery and wet conditions, had one simple dynamic: the winner will book their place in the final in Pretoria to face the Daisies. It was the home side that showed they wanted it more by outplaying the team ranked second coming into the fixture.

DHL WP, playing with a wind from behind in the first half, laid the foundations for the victory in the opening stanza and their 22-12 lead at the break proved decisive in the end.

They defended bravely and had good structure on attack, while the Boland side looked rather lethargic when going forward and apart from the odd burst by Aseza Hele, the visitors had few options on attack.

WP scored two crucial tries in the space of 10 minutes late in the half while having a player in the sin bin, and that boosted their confidence as well.

They sealed the deal with a fifth try late in the second half and although the Dames set up a nail-biting finish with Hele’s hat-trick, the home side held their composure for a deserved win.

Meanwhile in Pretoria, it was a real rout as the defending champions scored 16 tries in a runaway win. The Free State Women never gave up, but poor handling cost them dearly. They spilled the ball while on attack several times, only for the Daisies to counter and score at the other side of the field.

The Daisies went through their work like the professional outfit they are. They were clinical on attack and punished their opponents’ mistakes severely in a performance that bodes well for next weekend’s final.

Ill-discipline almost cost the Border Ladies in their final fixture of the season against their Eastern Cape rivals, the EP Queens. They played well in the first half and held a solid 27-17 lead at the break, but the wheels came off in dramatic fashion in the second half.

Four yellow cards, all for repeated breakdown offences, handed all the momentum to the visitors and although the Queens only scored once in the half and failed to capitalize playing against 14 opponents, the Ladies were the most relieved team when the final whistle went.

The Golden Lions started well against the Sharks Women at Noordheuwel High School and held the lead after 20 minutes after two well-worked tries but then faltered against their coastal opponents.

The Sharks scored three times in the first half for a 21-12 lead at the break and once Owami Zikhali (left wing) scored her third early in the second half, they looked set to cruise to victory.

Hard-working Lions No 8 Aliyah Tchogna-Njamen’s try with four minutes left close the gap to six points, but the Sharks had the final say when Kwanele Zungu right wing) added a fifth try to their tally.

Scorers:

Golden Lions Women 22 (12), Sharks Women 33 (21)
Lions – Tries: Promise Sithole, Sinalo Honono, Aliyah Tchogna-Njamen, Sarah Mokwebo. Conversion: Provia Mashiane.
Sharks – Tries: Owami Zikhali (3), Kwanele Zungu, Megan Comley. Conversions: Mary Zulu (4).

DHL Western Province 32 (22), Sanlam Boland Dames 29 (12)
WP – Tries: Azisa Mkiva, Anelisiwe Mxobo, Elme Kruger, Voice Ndou, Zandiswa Xozwa. Conversions: Elme Kruger (2). Penalty goal: Kruger.
Boland – Tries: Nomawethu Mabenge, Aseza Hele (3), Anita Tom. Conversions: Theresa Ruiters, Lara Schats.

Bulls Daisies 96 (51), Free State Women 0
Bulls – Tries: Xolelwa Diliza, Faith Tshauke, Camelitha Malone (2), Ayanda Malinga (2), Chuma Qawe, Patience Mokone (4), Karabo Lebotsa, Shaunique Alexander (3), Lucky Nkhumishe. Conversions: Jakkie Cilliers (8).

Border Ladies 27 (27), EP Queens 22 (17)
Border – Tries: Aphiwe Ngwevu, Eloise Webb, Owethu Nayiphi, Bridgette Coetzee. Conversions: Coetzee (2). Penalty goal: Zintle Holofela.
EP – Tries: Sibabalwe Klaas, Ruzanne George, Celine May, Hlomla Puzi. Conversion: Yandisa Nobanda.

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The Queens edged the Golden Lions Women 31-24 in Nelson Mandela Bay, while in other coastal action, DHL Western Province remained third on the log by beating the Sharks Ladies 29-19 in Durban.

The two top sides on the log, the Bulls Daisies and Sanlam Boland Dames, scored massive wins to edge closer to the final on 29 March. The Daisies won on a canter against Border Ladies in Pretoria, scoring 11 tries in a 67-0 victory, while the Dames ran riot in Bloemfontein with a stunning second half effort to beat the Free State Women 92-20.

The EP Queens’ first win of the season came in dramatic fashion at Wolfson Stadium, where they beat the Golden Lions Women 31-24 with a late try. The visitors were again pipped at the post in a match where they had numerous opportunities.

The Queens conceded four yellow cards and a penalty try in a match that never settled in anyone’s favour, but the host team somehow found a way to win. After a 5-5 halftime score, the second half delivered seven tries, as both teams punched, and counter punched.

The Lions drew level in the 74th minute with their fourth try to make it 24-24, but EP outside centre Ywaydha de Vos raced in two minutes from time to edge her side ahead. Anacadia Minnaar converted, which confirmed a first win of the competition for new coach Con van Rooyen.

The Sanlam Boland Dames scored 59 unanswered points in a blistering second half onslaught of the Free State Women tryline. They had a comfortable 33-20 lead at the break and although the home side showed glimpses of their ability, all disappeared in what must be the most productive half played by the Dames in many seasons.

Amanda Klaassen (left wing) bagged four of the 14 tries for her side, with Theresa Ruiters adding 11 conversions. The home side’s Sne Mdletshe scored probably the best individual try of the competition thus far, slicing through numerous Boland tacklers, but that was just too far and in between for the Free Staters.

The Bulls Daisies blanked another opponent, this time the Border Ladies, who despite their best efforts, could not contain the international class of their Loftus Versfeld hosts. Ten Daisies dotted down for tries, with team captain, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, bagging a double.

Credit to the Ladies, who gave their best, but was just not good enough for the rampant defending champions. Border, trailing 38-0 at the break, had their best spell in the opening 15 minutes of the second half, where they kept the Daisies scoreless and had the odd opportunity or two for points, but poor execution and option taking prevented that.

DHL Western Province kept their final hopes intact with a convincing 29-19 win at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday. The visitors scored five tries and although their line was breached three times, they had enough in the tank to pull away from the Sharks Women, whose trophy hopes have been dashed.

The home side started well, getting the first points of the match on the board when Ulender Khumalo (right wing) raced in for a converted try and a 7-0 lead.

The WP pack then took control, scoring three tries before the break, one of them by Springbok Women captain Nolusindiso Booi. The second half had more parity, with both sides scoring twice. Lively Sharks No 8 Megan Comley bagged a brace as they delivered a late flurry, but the visitors had enough composure and class to see that out.

Scorers:

EP Queens 31 (5), Golden Lions Women 24 (5)
EP – Tries: Sibabalwe Klaas, Johnerecia Booysen, Esethu Mbongisa, Ywaydha De Vos (2). Conversions: Anacadia Minnaar (3).
Lions – Tries: Masingita Simango, Khanyisile Ntai, Ratidzo Gurajena, Penalty Try. Conversion: Provia Mashiane.

Sharks Women 19 (7), DHL Western Province 29 (15)
Sharks – Tries: Megan Comley (2), Ulender Khumalo. Conversions: Anesipho Malgas (2).
WP – Tries: Nolusindiso Booi, Lauren Adams, Nomkhitha Chuba, Anuckha Ekron, Mari Dalhouzie. Conversions: Kirsten Conrad, Elme Kruger.

Bulls Daisies 67 (38), Border Ladies 0 (0)
Bulls – Tries: Unam Tose, Lucky Nkhumishe, Faith Tshauke, Patience Mokone, Sizophila Solontsi, Sanelisiwe Charlie, Libbie Janse van Rensburg (2), Karabo Lebotsa, Jakkie Cilliers, Xolelwa Diliza. Conversions: Cilliers (5), Byrhandre Dolf.

Free State Women 20 (20), Sanlam Boland Dames 92 (33)
Free State – Tries: Faith Gosling, Sikholiwe Mdletshe. Conversions: Thamie Yako (2). Penalty goals: Yako (2).
Boland – Tries: Veroeshka Grain, Keishia Stuurman (2), Amanda Klassen (4), Nomawethu Mabenge (2), Buhle Sonamzi, Aseza Hele, Ropha Madyah (2), Sinalo Ziqwayi. Conversions: Theresa Ruiters (11).

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The Free Staters left it late to edge the Golden Lions Women 31-26 at Toyota Stadium, with a last minute try the ultimate reward, while the Sharks Women scored six tries in Pietermaritzburg to outplay the EP Queens 40-7, with the win moving them into second spot on the log.

Sanlam Boland Dames, who was undefeated going into the round and in second place, were mauled by the Bulls Daisies in a hot Wellington, with the home side going down 50-22 at Boland Stadium.

The Daisies are now the only undefeated team left in the competition, as Border Ladies also came up short in Cape Town, where they were outplayed 29-12 by DHL Western Province.

The Daisies were out the blocks in their top-of-the-table clash in brilliant fashion, scoring five tries in the opening 30 minutes as Boland had no answer to the all-round attack from the defending champions.

They opened the scoring in the second minute when Sizophila Solontsi dotted down, with the industrious flanker also scoring her second on the half hour mark after Faith Tshauke, Libbie Janse van Rensburg and Micke Gunter all ran in tries.

Credit to the Dames though, who not only scored the final try of the half, but also the next 17 points of the second half after they managed to sort out their lineout woes, hold on to possession and move the ball to their outside backs, who scored three tries.

The last waltz belonged to the Daisies though, as they stepped on the gas again and romped away with two more tries and yet another 50 points scored.

DHL Western Province bounced back nicely from last weekend’s defeat to outplay Border Ladies in a five tries to two victory at Hamiltons RFC in Green Point. Their set piece worked well in the first half and Thandile Mazwi drove over the line just over 20 minutes in to take a well-deserved lead. Donëy Fillies then finished off a good counter-attack to hand the Capetonians a 12-0 lead at the break.

Province had a great start in the second half, scoring three more tries as they secured the bonus point win. Border rallied late, scoring two tries, but by then, the win was securely in the bag for the hosts.

A try in the 79th minute by Vuyelwa Mosala secured the Free State Women a dramatic first win in the competition. The five-pointer concluded a tight encounter, where the home side had to come back from behind twice for the victory.

The visitors from Johannesburg looked all set to seal the game at the break as they held a comfortable 21-12 lead, but the Free State bench made a crucial impact, as the home side fought back well and took the lead in the 70th minute when Treidine Solomons barged over.

The Lions rallied to score three minutes later through their finishing expert Thobile Msizaswe to level the scores, only for Mosala to secure the win in the last minute.

The Sharks delivered a solid performance against the EP Queens in Pietermaritzburg. They controlled most of the game and used their territorial dominance and possession well.

Three first half tries confirmed their dominance and although the Queens scored first in the second half, the comeback was thwarted quickly with three more tries by the hosts. Mary Zulu scored 15 points and will be pleased with her running of the Sharks game.

Scorers:

Sanlam Boland Dames 22 (5), Bulls Daisies 50 (36)

Boland – Tries: Nomawethu Mabenge, Theresa Ruiters, Lulu Tyibilika, Macaela Samboya. Conversion: Lara Schats
Bulls – Tries: Zintle Mpupha, Faith Tshauke (2), Sizophila Solontsi (2), Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Micke Gunter, Xolelwa Diliza. Conversions: Jakkie Cilliers (5).

DHL Western Province 29 (12), Border Ladies 12 (0)
WP – Tries: Thandile Mazwi, Lauren Adams, Luchell Hanekom, Donëy Filies, Mari Dalhouzie. Conversions: Kirsten Conrad (2).
Border – Tries: Aviwe Hlongwana (2). Conversion: Khanya Ketani.

Free State Women 31 (12), Golden Lions Women 26 (21)
Free State – Tries: Monique Reens (2), Monique Smith, Treidene Solomons, Vuyelwa Mosala. Conversions: Thamie Yako (3).
Lions – Tries: Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Sinalo Honono, Siyonela Macamba, Thobile Msizazwe. Conversions: Klarissa van der Linden (3).

Sharks Women 40 (19), EP Queens 7 (0)
Sharks – Tries: Nobuhle Mjwara, Mary Zulu, Kwanele Zungu, Owami Zikhali, Nomonde Mwanja, Nontobeko Mathupha. Conversions: Zulu (5).
EP – Try: Amber Olivier. Conversion: Yandisa Nobanda.

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After back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024, the Daisies seem to have stepped up a notch this year by dismantling last year’s runners-up by 69-0 at Loftus Versfeld B in Pretoria. They scored 10 tries and was awarded a penalty try.

It was a totally one-sided match, with the home side proving too strong in all aspects of the contest and at times, they seemingly scored at will as injuries and fatigue hampered WP’s defensive effort.

Credit to WP, who tried attacking from all corners, but this was a brutal performance by the champions which bodes well for their charge to yet another final.

The Sharks Women secured their first win of the season by beating Free State Women 36-30 in an entertaining affair at Hollywoodbets Kings Park 2. The home side held a 22-15 lead at the break and managed to keep that buffer for most of the game.

The visitors rallied in the second half and came within a converted try of an upset win, but the Durbanites’ game management was excellent, and they could walk away victorious.

The Border Ladies scored a second win at home, this time by 27-12 over the visiting Golden Lions Women after holding a 10-7 lead at the end of a tight first half at Baysville High School in East London.

Both packs of forwards had their moments in the match and that created good attacking space for the respective backlines, who responded in kind.

Two early tries by Border gave them a perfect start, but when Thobile Msizazwe got the ball in space, the speedster finished a well-worked try in the right hand corner. A good conversion by Klarissa van der Linden cut Border’s lead to three.

The Ladies delivered a strong second half though, with usual suspects, Aphiwe Ngwevu and Eloise Webb, on the score sheet again.

Sanlam Boland Dames delivered another impressive performance to their faithful supporters at the Boland Stadium in Wellington, beating EP Queens 59-5 in a one-sided affair.

The Dames, boosted by a hat-trick scored by scrumhalf Felicia Jacobs, held a 26-0 lead at the break and continued in that vein in the second half.

A late change to their midfield partnership with the withdrawal of Veroeshka Grain hampered the Dames’ fluency in the backs, but once everyone settled in, it was one way traffic.

Ruzanne George scored a second half try for the Queens to make their trip from the east coast a little more enjoyable.

Scorers:

Bulls Daisies 69 (29), DHL Western Province 0 (0)
Bulls – Tries: Lusanda Dumke, Faith Tshauke, Ayanda Malinga, Chumisa Qawe, Patience Mokone (2), Xolelwa Diliza, Sophy Matshapa, Chuma Qawe, Shaunique Alexander, Penalty try. Conversions: Jakkie Cilliers (6).

Sharks Women 36 (22), Free State Women 30 (15)
Sharks – Tries: Nomonde Mbanjwa, Snethemba Mzimela, Kwanele Zungu, Ulender Khumalo (2). Conversions: Anesipho Malgas (2), Mary Zulu (2). Penalty goal: Malgas.
Free State – Tries: Neidene Solomons, Bernice Strydom, Chante Olivier, Ziyanda Gqontshi. Conversions: Strydom, Inge Sander. Penalty goals: Sander (2).

Border Ladies 27 (10), Golden Lions Women 12 (7)
Border – Tries: Bridgette Coetzee, Eloise Webb, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Chuma Delubom. Conversion: Zintle Holofela.
Lions – Tries: Tshegofatso Lekganyane, Thobile Msizazwe. Conversion: Klarissa van der Linden.

Sanlam Boland Dames 59 (26), EP Queens 5 (0)
Boland – Tries: Felicia Jacobs (3), Theresa Ruiters (2), Lulu Tyibilika (2), Nomawethu Mabenge, Maceala Samboya. Conversions: Lara Schats (7).
EP – Try: Ruzanne George.

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The three other matches – in Durban, Wellington and East London – also promise to deliver a feast of rugby as the teams hit their stride in the new season.

The Sharks Women welcome Free State Women to Durban for their first home game of 2025, while Sanlam Boland Dames and Border Ladies, who both won at home in round one, will be looking to do so again against the EP Queens and Golden Lions Women.

The Daisies and their Cape Town opponents scored 23 of the 40 tries in last weekend’s opening round of the competition and clearly have their attacking play working already, but it is most likely the best defence that will determine who will prevail at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

Province is the only team who have managed to beat the Daisies in the last two seasons, so they will have some confidence and knowledge on how to get the best of the home side.

Daisies coach Hayden Groepes has named 12 Test players in his starting line-up and there are two more Springbok Women on the bench, while the Capetonians boast six.

The battle up front will be highly significant in this clash, with Nolusindiso Booi, Nomsa Mokwai, Azisa Mkiva and Luchell Hanekom boosting the DHL WP pack, with the lock pairing of Booi and Mokwai – who will make their first appearance this season – potentially holding the key for the visitors.

The Capetonians’ backline is exciting to say the least and they will score some tries, but their challenge will be to keep the hard-running Chumisa Qawe and Zintle Mpupha at bay in the midfield. Add the open field running of loose forwards Sizo Solontsi and Lusanda Dumke, the Daisies’ captain, and this promises to be a fantastic match to watch.

The Sharks Women were the only team not to score a try last weekend and attack should be front of mind against the Free Staters in Durban. They do have some serious strike power on the right wing in Ulender Khumalo, who scored 11 tries in last year’s campaign. It is significant to see the national halfback pairing of Tayla Kinsey and Mary Zulu playing off the bench, so clearly KZN coach Jason Hector has a plan in mind.

The Free State side will bring an energetic attitude on attack and some early points could just get them going. They are finding their feet under new coach Anchin Klein, but such is her ability to bring the best out of her players, that it will be sooner rather than later that success will happen on the scoreboard.

The Golden Lions Women showed glimpses of what they are capable of against Boland last weekend, but some weaknesses were exposed as well, something Border will be well aware of when they face them in East London.

The Johannesburgers have a real gem in former Junior Springbok Women wing Thobile Msizazwe, who scored two well-taken tries last weekend, but giving her enough ball in space could be an issue.

Border’s international midfield pairing of Aphiwe Ngwevu and Eloise Webb ranks amongst the best in the Premier Division and the home side will be wise to provide them with possession all day. Ngwevu’s hard running and Webb’s soft hands and guile will test the visitors.

Sanlam Boland Dames will be looking for another payday in Wellington where they host the EP Queens. The Bolanders pumped the Lions last weekend and will be full of confidence. Aiding their effort is the stellar form of the likes of Aseza Hele, Nomawethu Mabenge and Maceala Samboya, who shows international class on provincial level.

The Queens will bring a fighting spirit second to none with them, but that alone will not be enough to beat the likes of the Dames, who finished third on the log last year. They will have to value their ball possession and sort out their maul defence if they want to halt Boland’s onslaught.

Match information:

Sharks Women v Free State Women
Venue: Hollywoodbets Kings Park 2, Durban
Date: Saturday, 1 February
Kick-off: 12h00
Referee: Stiaan Marx

Bulls Daisies v DHL Western Province
Venue: Loftus Versfeld B, Pretoria
Date: Saturday, 1 February
Kick-off: 12h30
Referee: Richard Bruno
Livestream: Official Springbok YouTube

Sanlam Boland Dames v EP Queens
Venue: Boland Stadium, Wellington
Date: Saturday, 1 February
Kick-off: 12h30
Referee: Aneka Fick-Smith

Border Ladies v Golden Lions Women
Venue: Baysville High School, East London
Date: Saturday, 1 February
Kick-off: 13h00
Referee: Siyanda Pikoli
TV: SuperSport Rugby (Channel 211)

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The Daisies scored 14 tries in a 90-5 win over the EP Queens at the Wolfson Stadium in Nelson Mandela Bay; WP beat the Free State Women by 53-13 at False Bay Rugby Football Club in Cape Town; the Dames romped to a 57-20 win over the Golden Lions Women at Boland Stadium in Wellington; and the Border Ladies earned bragging rights in their East Coast showdown with the Sharks Women in a low scoring match, winning 17-6.

The Daisies proved far too slick for the Queens, who will be grateful that they don’t have to face the champions for the rest of the year.

The Pretoria side used their forward dominance to good effect, with the rolling maul a big weapon, while in the second half, their bench provided even more impact.

It was a memorable day for wing Shaunique Alexander, who scored her first try for the Daisies, while her counterpart, Johnerecia Booysen, will be equally proud of her solo effort that provided the Queens with their solitary try.

Aseza Hele was on fire in Wellington, scoring five tries in their bonus point win over their visitors from Johannesburg. The Dames pack was in full control and scrummed the Lions pack all around Boland Stadium, while their speedy backs executed well when possession, scoring four tries.

Flyhalf Lara Schats enjoyed the day behind a dominant pack and kicked six conversions.

The Border Ladies outscored their northern coastal neighbours by three tries to nil in East London, something new Sharks Women’s coach Jason Hector will not be pleased about.

The home side held a 10-6 lead at the break following two tries to two Mary Zulu penalty goals, and added another converted try in the second half, while the Durban side could not add any points.

DHL Western Province also enjoyed a productive day in Cape Town, where they had too much in their arsenal for their Bloemfontein visitors.

Wing Voice Ndou, their leading try scorer from last season, was at it again, scoring three of their nine tries on a hot afternoon where the WP pack dominated from the start.

The Free State Women were in the game until halftime, having scored two tries themselves but they had no reply when the home side upped the tempo in the second half.

Scorers:

DHL Western Province 53 (22), Free State Women 13
WP – Tries: Azisa Mkiva, Anushka Groenewald, Anelisiwe Mxabo (2), Voice Ndou (3), Shaunique Hess, Thandile Mazwi. Conversions: Sesethu Mtshazi (2), Elme Kruger (2).
Free State – Tries: Natasha Motlomelo, Alida Strydom. Penalty goal: Thamie Yeko.

Border Ladies 17 (10), Sharks Women 6 (6)
Border – Tries: Aphiwe Ngwevu, Lilitha Vakalisa (2). Conversion: Bridgette Coetzee.
Sharks – Penalty goals: Mary Zulu (2).

EP Queens 5 (0), Bulls Daisies 90 (43)
EP – Try: Johnerecia Booysen.
Bulls – Tries: Micke Gunter (2), Faith Tshauke (2), Byrhandre Dolf, Shaunique Alexander (2), Chumisa Qawe (2), Jakkie Cilliers, Patience Mokone, Zintle Nonkasana, Zintle Mpupha, Ayanda Malinga. Conversions: Cilliers (10).

Sanlam Boland Dames 57 (19), Golden Lions Women 20 (6).
Boland – Tries: Aseza Hele (5), Felicia Jacobs, Veroeshka Grain, Nomawethu Mabenge, Macaela Samboya. Conversions: Lara Schats (6).
Golden Lions – Tries: Thobile Msizazwe (2). Conversions: Klarissa van der Linden (2). Penalty goals: Van der Linden (2).

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The Daisies have upped the standards of the women’s game considerably when they tuned professional last year, and their results are a clear roadmap to success for others to follow suit.

Apart from one defeat earlier this year, the team from Pretoria have won every match in the last two seasons, but who else to throw a spanner in the works than DHL Western Province, the only team to have beaten the Bulls and the side they will face at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday evening in a repeat of last year’s final.

The Capetonians snapped the Daisies’ 19-game winning streak in May when they outplayed them 22-14 in Cape Town, scoring four tries to two in the process.

More important for the home side though, would be the return match, when the Daises were rampant in their revenge, winning 59-21 three weeks ago in Pretoria, scoring nine tries to three. In fact, DHL WP seem to have problems playing in Pretoria as they lost last year’s final 69-8 and 43-5 in their league match at the same venue.

DHL Western Province coach Stanley Raubenheimer will no doubt have a plan to charge up his troops as they will be up against a very well-drilled side stacked with national players. Amongst them will be Jakkie Cilliers, who is on a record scoring spree this season.

The Springbok Women outside centre has already scored 172 points this season, which include 61 conversions and 10 tries, but she is only one of a handful of players in devastating form for the Daisies.

Expect the unexpected from DHL WP, who have some of the best broken-field runners in the competition, with Voice Ndou, the leading try-scorer (16 tries), a particular threat to the Daisies out wide.

In the Women’s First Division, the SWD Eagirls overcame all challenges and won all six their league matches as well as their semi-final and will be looking for eight on the trot when they host the Leopards Women in the final at Outeniqua Park in George on Friday afternoon.

One of those wins was a 31-14 victory against the Leopards at the same venue in round two of the league phase. The two sides also met in the final of the competition in 2022, when the Eagirls won 36-14 in Potchefstroom.

SWD lost last year’s final against the Free State Women, but looking at their current form, they could reclaim the trophy on Friday.

The Eagirls have by far been the most attacking team in the competition, scoring 50 tries in their six matches. Three SWD players are also the leading try-scorers in the tournament, with wings Shannon Lee Windvogel and Chante Jonck who dotted down 10 times each, and utility back Shannon Pieterse, who scored eight tries.

Keeping that backline in check will be key for the Leopards if they want to claim the title. The Potch team scored 31 tries in their six matches, with No 8 Teddy Gatyana dotting down six times, but it will rather be their defensive effort that will be needed to win this one for them.

The Leopards have some experienced campaigners, with former Springbok Women back Verana van Heerden providing massive input from fullback and Vianca Boer very industrious on attack, but stopping the gifted ball runners from the Southern Cape will be a massive challenge.

Match information:

Women’s Premier Division final: Bulls Daisies v DHL Western Province
Date: Saturday, 10 August 2024
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 19h15
Referee: Aneka Fick
TV: SuperSport Action (channel 210)

Women’s First Division final: SWD Eagirls v Leopards Women
Date: Friday, 9 August 2024
Venue: Outeniqua Park, George
Kick-off: 15h00
Referee: Siyanda Pikoli

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The final is a rematch of the 2023 edition, which the Daisies won comfortably.

On Saturday, the Pretoria hosts had too many weapons in their arsenal for Border, winning 43-12 after leading 24-0 at the break. The home side’s pack of forwards were totally dominant in the game and their line-out drives worked to a tee. Hooker Xolelwa Diliza scored three tries off the back of those and in total, six of their seven tries were scored by the pack.

The Daisies took control early on and kept Border on the back foot throughout the match. The visitors managed to score twice in the second half, including a neat five pointer by Eloise Webb, but were no match for the Daisies on the day.

DHL Western Province replacement winger, Asiphe Mayaba, was the toast of the DHL Stadium faithful when she scored the match-winning try for her side at the death of their semifinal against the Dames. The try edged them to a 20-17 victory and into the finals in Pretoria next weekend.

It was a close match throughout, with both sides enjoying good spells. Boland will look at their scrum dominance and question why that did not yield better results and also ponder some weak defence on the perimetres, which not only allowed Mayaba her match-winner, but also got Voice Ndou her five pointer.

Scores were even at the break, but when Boland scored twice via Nompumelelo Mathe and Nomawethu Mabenge and took the lead with ten minutes left, they looked set for a trip up North, but it was not to be as WP responded with two scores of their own and Mayaba’s at the end being the decisive moment of the match.

Scoring summary:

Bulls Daisies 43 (24), Border Ladies 12 (0)
Scorers:
Daisies – Tries: Xolelwa Diliza (3), Vainah Ubisi, Faith Tshauke, Jakkie Cilliers, Lebogang Ralebona. Conversions: Cilliers (4).
Border – Tries: Eloise Webb, Owethu Nayiphi. Conversions: Webb.

DHL Western Province 20 (5), Sanlam Boland Dames 17 (5)
Scorers:
WP – Tries: Shaunique Hess, Voice Ndou, Asiphe Mayaba. Conversion: Alicia Willemse. Penalty goal: Willemse.
Dames – Tries: Nompumelelo Mathe, Nomawethu Mabenge, Chuma Qawe. Conversion: Qawe.

SWD Eagirls and Leopards race into First Division final

The SWD Eagirls laid down their strongest marker of the season in Mossel Bay on Saturday when they outscored Pumas Women 11 tries to one in their SA Rugby Women’s First Division semifinal, winning 67-5 to earn a home final next weekend.
They will meet Leopards Women at Outeniqua Park on Friday afternoon after the Potchefstroom side outplayed Limpopo Blue Bulls Women 32-17 at Olen Park.

The Leopards were always in control on home soil and were leading 22-7 at the break but, as always during the season, the Limpopo side refused to go away and stayed in the fight.
The Leopards had too much to offer though, and secured their trip to the Garden Route with a solid display between forwards and backs.

The Eagirls were on fire, with their backline almost untouchable. Shannon Lee Windvogel was again deadly in her finishing, scoring three tries, while the hard-working pack had no qualms to feed their dominant backs all afternoon.

Scoring summary:

SWD Eagirls 67 (29), Pumas Women 5 (5)
Scorers:
SWD – Tries: Nicole-Kay Flandorf, Danielle Jonas, Prelene Pegram, Marnazelle Rabie, Shannon Lee Windvogel (3), Shannon Pieterse, Chante Jonck, Siviwe Basweni, Destiny Daters. Conversions: Rabie (6).
Pumas – Try: Sonia Khumalo.

Leopards Women 32 (22), Limpopo Blue Bulls Women 17 (7)
Scorers:
Leopards – Tries: Teddy Gatyana, Baby Plaatjies, Teddy Boer, Kagisho Miggels, Verana Van Heerden, Kat Pomane. Conversion: Van Heerden.
Limpopo – Tries: Mahlatse Lekola (2), Katlego Mokaba. Conversion: Evelyn Mkhabele.

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

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Scores were tied 12-12 at the break of the Gauteng derby, but the Daisies outplayed the Golden Lions Women in the second half to record a comfortable 55-24 victory at Loftus Versfeld (12-12), while Border were in rampant mood, scoring 14 tries as they not only secured the most telling result by beating the Free State Women 88-13 in Bloemfontein, but also moved into fourth spot.

The Sharks Women, who were still in semi-final contention at the start of the round, failed in their quest to stay in the top four when they were beaten 42-10 by the Dames in Worcester. The home side were in control from the outset and managed to cut loose their back line despite heavy underfoot conditions.

DHL Western Province secured second spot with a 29-5 win over EP Queens at a windswept and very wet Brookside field in Claremont – a new venue after City Park was deemed not fit to play on due to the adverse weather in the region. It was a hard slog due to the conditions, but the home side never allowed their Eastern Cape visitors any comfort.

Scorers:

Bulls Daisies 55 (12), Golden Lions Women 24 (12)
Bulls – Tries: Sinelitha Noxeke, Surprise Baloi, Faith Tshauke, Sophy Mashapa (2), Yonela Ngxingolo, Anathi Qolo, Lucky Nkhumishe, Patience Mokone. Conversions: Zintle Nonkasana (2), Unathi Mali (3).
Lions – Tries: Nthabiseng Monyemore, Sinalo Honono, Masingita Simango, Khumo Nhlapo. Conversions: Piwokuhle Nyanda (2).

Sanlam Boland Dames 42 (22), Sharks Women 10 (3)
Boland – Tries: Maxene Valentine, Buhle Sonamzi, Felicia Jacobs, Maceala Samboya, Thanie Yeko, Nomawethu Mabenge, Ondela Lungisa (2). Conversion: Amanda Klassen.
Sharks – Try: Nontobeko Mathupha. Conversion: Tayla Kinsey. Penalty goal: Kinsey.

DHL Western Province 29 (10), EP Queens 5 (0)
WP – Tries: Voice Ndou (2), Alichia Arries, Alicia Willemse, Thandile Mazwi. Conversions: Anja le Roux (2).
EP – Try: Sibabalwe Klaas.

Free State Women 13 (6), Border Ladies 88 (38)
Free State – Try: Penalty Try. Penalty goals: Inge Sander (2).
Border – Tries: Chuma Delubom, Mado Mdliki (2), Zahara Makhomazi, Zintle Holofela (2), Aphiwe Ngwevu, Asi Plaatjies (2), Eloise Webb (2), Ziyanda Gqontshi, Phola Mbonja, Siphe Hlangani. Conversions: Yandisa Nobanda (6), Holofela (3).

SWD keep clean slate in Women’s First Division

The SWD Eagirls kept their winning streak in the Women’s First Division intact in Groot Brakrivier on Saturday, beating Limpopo Blue Bulls Women 69-5. This was their sixth win in six rounds, and they will host fourth-placed Pumas Women in next weekend’s semi-finals.

SWD wing Shannon-Lee Windvogel was a handful and scored five tries at Greenhaven Sportsground.

The Leopards Women will host Limpopo in the other semi-final after they finished strong as well, beating Valke Women 33-12 in Kempton Park to finish with five wins out of six. The Valke needed to get at least two bonus points in this match to secure a play-off spot but found the visitors too strong.

In the other match of the weekend, Griquas Women travelled to Welkom, where they outplayed Griffons Women 36-12. The win moved them to 15 log points, the same as the Pumas (who had a bye), but the team from Mpumalanga finished fourth due to a better points’ difference.

The Griffons were the only side to remain winless after the six rounds of the competition.

Scorers:

Griffons Women 12 (7), Griquas Women 36 (24)
Griffons – Tries: Beauty Kholuoe, Jane Mohalali. Conversion: Tshepiso Matelile.
Griquas – Tries: Nomvila Sekosana (2), Leilani Januarie, Lidene Kruger (2), Donishea Cloete. Conversions: Cloete (3).

SWD Eagirls 69 (17), Limpopo 5 (5)
SWD – Tries: Danielle Jonas, Neidene Solomons, Mia-lee Matiwane, Shannon-Lee Windvogel (5), Chante Jonck, Shannon Pieterse (2). Conversions: Marnazelle Rabie (7).
Limpopo – Try: Prosperity Dlamini.

Valke Women 12, Leopards Women 33
Valke – Tries: Noluyanda Mtshweni, Amu Lisenga, Conversion: Londeka Ntanzi
Leopards – Tries: Baby Plaatjies (2), Kagisho Miggels (2), Teddy Gatyana. Conversions: Marli George, Verana van Heerden (3).

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

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The defending champions cannot be overhauled by anyone when the last weekend of the competition takes place next weekend, while DHL Western Province still sit pretty in second place despite the 59-21 mauling in Pretoria.

The Daisies had too much power for their Cape opponents and dominated them from the start. Province scored three tries but were too erratic on defence to slow their opponents down, with the Daisies’ pack totally in control throughout the match.

Sanlam Boland Dames, the only other side that can finish in second place, hit their straps as well by overpowering EP Queens 90-0 in Uitenhage on Saturday.

The Sharks Women, currently fourth on the log, also stayed in the semi-final race by beating Free State Women 36-14 in Durban, while Border Ladies, in fifth, kept the pressure on the KwaZulu-Natalians by beating Golden Lions Women 56-10 in East London.

The Dames scored 13 tries in Uitenhage and totally dominated their Eastern Cape foes. Two former EP players, Aseza Hele and Nomawethu Mabenge, had a field day against their erstwhile teammates, with Hele getting a hat-trick and Mabenge a brace of tries.

Border scored 10 tries themselves in their mauling of their Joburg visitors. They delivered an all-round performance, and the Lions’ defence could just not stop the all-out attack by the home side.

The Sharks got a full house in Durban on Saturday in their 36-14 win over their Bloemfontein opponents. They scored six tries, with speedy Ulender Khumalo keeping her try-scoring streak going with a hat-trick.

The host team had a 24-6 lead at the break and never looked like surrendering the lead.

Scorers:

Bulls Daisies 59 (33), DHL Western Province 21 (7)
Bulls – Tries: Lusanda Dumke, Faith Tshauke (2), Unathi Mali, Jakkie Cilliers (2), Patience Mokone, Zintle Nonkasana, Lebogang Ralebona. Conversions: Cilliers (6), Nonkasana.
WP – Tries: Anushka Groenewald, Camelitha Malone, Voice Ndou. Conversions: Donelle Snyders, Anja le Roux (2).

Border Ladies 56 (27), Golden Lions Women 10 (5)
Border – Tries: Owethu Nayiphi, Mado Mdliki (2), Sinalo Mtshizana (2), Yandisa Nobanda, Zintle Holofela, Aphiwe Ngwevu (2), Asi Plaatjies. Conversions: Nobanda, Holofela (2).
Lions – Tries: Sindiswa Ngwenya, Piwo Nyanda.

EP Queens 0 (0), Sanlam Boland Dames 90 (54)
Boland – Tries: Buhle Sonamzi, Aseza Hele (3), Felicia Jacobs, Theresa Ruiters (2), Ricci Hennig, Lulu Tyibilika, Nomawethu Mabenge (2), Chuma Qawe (2), Penalty Try. Conversions: Qawe (6), Thanie Yeko (3).

Sharks Women 36 (24), Free State Women 14 (6)
Sharks – Tries: Nqabakazi Nqoro, Ulender Khumalo (3), Owami Zikhali, Nontobeko Mathupha. Conversions: Tayla Kinsey (3).
Free State – Try: Mihlali Jiyeza. Penalty goals: Inge Sander (3).

Leopards and SWD go big in First Division

The Leopards and SWD Eagirls scored massive wins in their encounters against Griffons and Griquas Women respectively, while the Pumas had a close victory over Valke Women in the Women’s First Division.

The Eagirls stayed top of the log with a commanding 62-10 win over their Northern Cape visitors, while the Leopards consolidated their second place on the log with a runaway 77-10 victory over the Griffons Women in Potchefstroom.

The Pumas secured a tight 21-17 win over the Valke in White River to move into third spot on the log. Both sides scored three tries, with the three conversions by Silindile Nyembe the difference. The Valke could only convert one of their five pointers and that proved the difference.

The SWD Eagirls were far too slick for the Griquas Women in Oudtshoorn and scored 10 tries to two in their 62-10 win. The home side were up 33-0 at the break and always in command, with their backline almost unstoppable. All their tries were scored by the backs, with wing Mia-lee Matiwane, bagging three.

It was a try fest in Potchefstroom as well, where the home side scored a runaway victory over the Griffons Women, by 77-10. The Leopards scored 13 tries and were up 46-5 at the break already. Fullback Verana van Heerden had a productive afternoon, scoring three tries and kicking five conversions for a personal haul of 25 points.

Scorers:

Pumas Women 21 (14), Valke Women 17 (5)
Pumas – Tries: Sibongile Morajane, Sonia Khumalo, Gert Msiya. Conversions: Silindile Nyembe (3).
Valke – Tries: Amu Lisenga, Lucia Yalezwa Xosana, Mj Nakeng. Conversion: Londeka Mthembu.

SWD Eagirls 62 (33), Griquas Women 10 (0)
SWD – Tries: Mia-lee Matiwane (3), Jernonique Murphy, Antoneica Hannies (2), Chante Jonck (2), Shannon Lee Windvogel (2). Conversions: Marnazelle Rabie (4), Hannies (2).
Griquas – Tries: Lauren Januarie, Reinett Carstens.

Leopards Women 77 (46), Griffons Women 10 (5)
Leopards – Tries: Martha Yokwane, Teddy Gatyana (3), Monique Reens, Marli George (2), Suane Buys, Abigail de Jager (2), Verana van Heerden (3). Conversions: George, Van Heerden (5).
Griffons – Tries: Tshepiso Matelile, Maki Molomosa

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

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