USA draw first blood
23 mins
Hope Rogers powers her way over the whitewash for the USA. Kristin Bitter converts. (SA 0 – 7 USA)
Springboks answer back
29 mins
Alichia Arries showcases her world-class pace to score under the poles, with Libbie Janse van Rensburg adding the extras to level the game. (SA 7 – 7 USA)
Rogers grabs a brace
32 mins
Rogers crosses for her second try of the day to put the visitors back in front. Bella Vogel converts. (SA 7 – 14 USA)
Gunter strikes before the break
36 mins
Following slick hands down the line, Micke Gunter finishes in the corner just before halftime. The conversion is missed. (SA 12 – 14 USA)
Mataitoga turns on the afterburners
43 mins
Just after the restart, Bulou Mataitoga runs in a stunning 50-meter try. Vogel converts. (SA 12 – 21 USA)
USA extends the lead
66 mins
A beautiful chip and chase allows Mataitoga to score her second, creating a 14-point buffer. (SA 12 – 26 USA)
Late lifeline for SA
69 mins
Ayanda Malinga shows her class, scoring under the poles to give South Africa a fighting chance. Janse van Rensburg converts. (SA 19 – 26 USA)
Despite a frantic final ten minutes where South Africa hammered away at the USA’s 22-meter line, handling errors in the red zone ultimately cost the home side a chance at a late draw.
