England captain Sue Day scored four of her side’s 12 tries on Monday evening as they proved too strong for South Africa in their IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup match at Ellerslie Rugby Park in Edmonton, Canada.
The 2002 runners-up started the match full of life with flyhalf Shelley Rae pulling the strings, her boot allowing England to gain good field position, and with the forward’s taking control they created space for Nicky Crawford to score after only four minutes.
England enjoyed plenty of the ball and ran in three more tries to secure a bonus point before half-time, Crawford claiming her second with Day and Rae crossing the line as the clock ticked down to give them a 26-0 advantage.
The second half started as the first had finished — the England pack on top and causing constant problems for South Africa in the tackle and breakdown situation, with number eight Georgia Stevens and scrumhalf Amy Turner impressing.
Day claimed her second try only two minutes into the second half and by the time the hour mark arrived, England had two further tries thanks to replacement Rochelle Clark and a third for Day.
South Africa had a Marijke Nel penalty on the board and were rewarded for the passion and pride the Women’s Rugby World Cup newcomers showed when their pack gained some momentum to drive flanker Wendy Khumalo over for their only try.
A minute earlier Rachel Burford had scored another try for England and with Day, hooker Selena Rudge, replacement Jo Yapp and the impressive fullback Charlotte Barras also crossing, the convincing victory was complete.
Rae converted three of these tries to take her personal tally for the match to 19 points.
England will now face France on Friday knowing that another victory will see them progress into the semifinals to battle for the title, while South Africa meet Ireland with both teams still looking for their first win. — Sapa