South Africa maintained their unbeaten run against African opposition, but the performance exposed areas requiring improvement ahead of Sunday’s decisive clash against Kenya.
The Springbok Women found themselves under pressure early in the contest as Uganda struck twice within the opening 10 minutes, capitalising on defensive lapses and missed tackles from the South Africans.
According to September, Uganda’s positive attacking play and South Africa’s slow defensive response created problems early on.
“We conceded two tries in the first 10 minutes, through a combination of them doing well to keep the ball alive, and us not making proper hits and dropping off first-time tackles,” September said after the match.
“Uganda can move the ball nicely and we did not respond to that, and we paid the price. That was a good lesson for a relatively new group of players.”
Despite the early setback, the Springbok Women gradually regained control and produced an improved second-half display, crossing for seven tries and eventually putting the contest beyond Uganda’s reach.
However, discipline remained a concern for the South Africans, who conceded several penalties and were also shown a yellow card.
September admitted his side battled to adjust to the referee’s interpretation but said improved control helped unlock their attacking game.
“We did not adapt well to the referee, who is the person in charge, but as we took control of the match and eliminated our errors, we could get more flow in our game. Once that happened, we scored some nice tries,” he explained.
The match also marked an important milestone for several emerging players, with three debutants earning their first Test caps and six others featuring in only their second international appearance.
“We had three new caps today and they played well. I was also very pleased with the six players who were playing in their second Test match,” said September.
“It is part of the process to bring in the next group of players, and we will benefit from that decision.”
With Kenya crushing Madagascar 57-0 earlier in the day, Sunday’s clash has effectively become a title decider.
September believes the challenging moments against Uganda may prove valuable heading into the final fixture.
“We needed some adversity to remind ourselves of the fight we have in us, and that came through today,” he said.
“We recovered well and, in the end, controlled the match. That momentum takes us into our final game Sunday, and we will be ready to go.”
The Rugby Africa Women’s Cup showdown between South Africa and Kenya kicks off at 15h00 (SA time) on Sunday in Nairobi.