The Springbok Women opened their tour to Fiji with a dominant 55-12 victory over the Fijiana XV at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on Saturday, running in nine tries to two in a performance built on forward dominance and clinical finishing.
The result reverses the outcome of their last meeting at the 2022 World Cup, when Fiji came out on top.
The Bok Women's set-piece was the foundation of the win, with their driving maul a constant threat throughout. Lindelwa Gwala, Vainah Ubisi, Sizophila Solontsi and Xoliswa Khuzwayo — who crossed twice — were all among the forwards to score, with the pack collectively keeping the hosts under sustained pressure.
The Boks led 27-7 at the break after a first half in which their physicality proved too much for Fiji despite some dangerous moments from Fijiana flyhalf Varanisese Qoro, who scored a solo try and added the conversion to make it a contest briefly at 15-7.
Fiji opened the second half with renewed intent and Qoro again provided the spark, setting up Western Force wing Adi Vanie Buleki for the hosts' second try to cut the deficit to 27-12. However, any momentum Fiji had built was ended when Alfreda Fisher received a yellow card — later upgraded to red — for a late hit on Catha Jacobs.
The Boks immediately capitalised, with Khuzwayo's second try stretching the lead to 34-12. From there, the backline joined proceedings: Zintle Mphupa's counter-attacking pace created the opportunity for Maceala Samboya to score, before fullback Byrhandre Dolf — who took over kicking duties in the second half — ran a strong line to go over herself and then converted her own try to make it 48-12. Sinelitha Noxeke added the ninth and final try late on, with Dolf converting to complete the 55-12 scoreline.
Lerato Makua made a significant impact with powerful carries before leaving the field with what appeared to be an ankle injury; she was seen on crutches after the final whistle. Aseza Hele showed no ill effects on her return from injury.
Nomsa Mokwai and Ubisi were singled out for their workrate and power in a pack that was at the heart of the victory throughout.