The SA Women 'A' side lost 34-12 (halftime 24-12) to Brazil at Estádio Nicolau Alayon in Sao Paulo on Monday, in the first of two tour matches against the hosts.
South Africa made an encouraging start, taking a 7-5 lead inside nine minutes after No 8 Emihle Mayitshe crossed from a lineout drive, with Mary Zulu converting. Fullback Hayley Hardneck extended the lead to 12-5 shortly after, finishing a wide move set up by a sharp pass from Shaunique Alexander, but Brazil responded on both occasions and gradually asserted control through slick interplay that repeatedly stretched the SA defensive line.
A coast-to-coast try by right wing Thalita Costa — launched from Brazil's own lineout — gave the hosts a 24-12 cushion at the break, the pick of the scoring in the first half.
The second half offered little relief. A Zulu effort was disallowed by the assistant referee, who ruled she had knocked the ball on before grounding it — a decision that visibly frustrated the SA captain. Brazil added two further tries to close at 34-12, with the late score flattering the winning margin somewhat given the effort of the visitors.
Coach Bafana Nhleko used his bench to inject pace, with halfback Camelitha Malone among those introduced, but handling errors and discipline issues around the offside line undermined any sustained SA pressure.
The two sides meet again in Sao Paulo on 29 August.