A late surge by the Springbok Women proved a little too late as they slumped to a 29-19 defeat by Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.

The Bok Women scored two tries in the last five minutes, but it was not enough to prevent a 10-point defeat in the second game of their November series tour. 

South Africa were 17-0 down inside the opening 30 minutes and, from that point onwards, the gap was always going to be a tough one to close. When Wales scored a third maul try an hour into the game, the result was confirmed for the home side.

Nolusindiso Booi and her teammates deserve credit, however, as they refused to give up and will look at the final two tries with great satisfaction.

A good spell by South Africa, breaching the Welsh 22 at least three times, did not yield the desired result, but at least showed some way into the Welsh underbelly. Lusanda Dumke had a wonderful solo run in the dying seconds of the half, but her support arrived too late and the effort came to nothing.

In the second half, Unam Tose replaced Tayla Kinsey at scrumhalf and Roseline Botes came on at hooker for Lindelwa Gwala. Catha Jacobs was also an early injury replacement as Sinazo Mcatshulwa was helped off the field early in the second half.

Wales again had a bright start and the South Africans were under severe pressure. Their defence held well initially, but Philips was mauled over to take the lead to 22-0.

From the kick-off, the ball was kept alive well by the visitors and Nomawethu Mabenge scored in the corner after a delightful run. Zenay Jordaan converted and suddenly there was a spring in the step for the team in green and gold.

Philips got her hat-trick, again from close range, and the lead was back to more than 20 points when Snowsill kicked the conversion for a 29-7 lead.

A delightful team try by Zintle Mpupha under the sticks followed. Numerous offloads, some industrious running by Nadine Roos, among other, had Mpupha dotting  down for a converted try and a 29-14 scoreline.

The last try of the match was another beauty for South Africa, with Libbie Janse van Rensburg running 40 metres to score near the end and cut the lead back to 10 points.

A little too late, but a fine way to end the game for the South Africans.