Five wins, One Promotion: South Africa’s Women Advance in Global Rugby Sevens
After an unbeaten weekend, the Springbok Women’s Sevens defeat Argentina in the HSBC SVNS Division 3 final in Dubai, securing a place in the three-leg HSBC SVNS Division 2 series.
CAPE TOWN, South Africa – South Africa Women were crowned champions of the HSBC SVNS Division 3 in Dubai on Sunday, 18 January after defeating Argentina 12-5 in the final.
The victory over the South Americans completed a clean sweep of five games on the weekend for the Springbok Women’s Sevens, who now qualify for the three-leg HSBC SVNS Division 2 series this year.
The tournaments will be played in Nairobi on 14 and 15 February, Montevideo on 21 and 22 March as well as Sao Paulo on 28 and 29 March.
The Springbok Women’s Sevens head coach Cecil Afrika was left hugely satisfied with the performance of his side in the United Arab Emirates.
“It was a great win and the players deserve all the credit – we really defended well, but our attack also proved very effective,” said Afrika.
“Overall, I think we got the balance right at this tournament. When we needed to, we defended our line very well and when the opportunity came, we could switch to attack and scored some really nice tries.
“One of the keys to a successful defensive effort is for players to work hard for each other, getting back in line, getting back off the floor to get in position and to trust the system and not try things on your own.”
In Dubai on Sunday, South Africa didn’t get off to a flyer, but managed to thwart Argentina’s raids with solid defence.
Argentina drew first blood with a try in the first half but Zintle Mpupha equalised for South Africa.
The winning try for the South Africans came from Patience Mokone with one minute remaining, converted by their talismanic captain Nadine Roos.
Earlier in the day, South Africa overpowered Poland 36-5 courtesy of double-scorer Maria Tshiremba with a single try each from skipper Roos, Ayanda Malinga, Patience Mokone and Zintle Mpupha.
The success in Dubai becomes Afrika’s second title with the Springbok Women’s Sevens since he took over the reins last October. In November, the former South Africa Men’s Sevens star guided his charges to the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens title in Kenyan capital Nairobi, brushing aside the hosts 22-0 in the final.
Afrika took to Dubai exactly the same squad that romped to victory in Kenya, but the ex-Blitzbok maestro doesn’t downplay the key roles of the players that didn’t make it to the last two tournaments.
“We must also acknowledge those players who did not travel this time but are part of the squad,” he said. “They helped us with our preparation and I am happy to say we got our tactics and game analyses right also.”
Springbok Women’s Sevens squad for Dubai:
- Leigh Fortuin
- Asisipho Plaatjies
- Patience Mokone
- Zintle Mpupha
- Maria Tshiremba
- Nadine Roos (captain)
- Byrhandré Dolf
- Liske Lategan
- Simamkele Namba
- Vianca Boer
- Shiniqwa Lamprecht
- Ayanda Malinga
More information: Click Here
Where to watch?
Supersport: Channel 951/Variety 2
Match Day 1: Saturday 17 January 2026 (SA Time) (GMT+2)
- 09:06 – South Africa (61) v Mexico (0)
- 12:22 – South Africa (24) v Czechia (5)
- 15:38 – South Africa (33) v Thailand (5)
Match Day 2: Sunday 18 January 2026 (SA Time) (GMT+2)
- 09:28 – South Africa (36) v Poland (5)
- 13:31 – South Africa (12) v Argentina (5)
Most Points:
- Nadine Roos – 54 (4 tries, 17 conversions)
Most Tries:
- Maria Tshiremba – 7
Written by Enock Muchinjo
