The Springbok women squandered a series victory at Loftus on Saturday, losing the second Test to the United States 19-26 to split the series 1-1, a week after winning the opener by 13 points.
Handling errors proved the decisive factor, with South Africa surrendering possession on at least four occasions when in promising attacking positions. The flow of the game was disrupted throughout, particularly in the first half, though both teams contributed to the scrappiness.
The US pack set the tone, mauling with purpose and prop Hope Rogers crossing twice via pushover to give the visitors early control. South Africa's response came through the backs — Alichia Arries cut through from inside her own half down the left flank to level at 7-7, and hooker Micke Gunter added a second try after the Boks spread it wide through a slick attacking passage to lead 12-7 at half-time.
The momentum shifted early in the second half when US left wing Telesi Uhatafe beat Jacomina Cilliers and fullback Eloise Webb with a powerful run from around halfway to restore the American lead. Uhatafe doubled her tally to put the result largely beyond doubt, though outside centre Ayanda Malinga scythed through late to cut the deficit to a single score.
South Africa had the better of the closing stages but could not convert pressure into points, with the same handling frailties that plagued them throughout the match ultimately costing them the series.
Scorers — Springboks 19 (12): Tries: Arries, Gunter, Malinga; Conversions: Cilliers (2). US 26 (14): Tries: Rogers (2), Uhatafe (2); Conversions: Vogel (3).