Lana Skeldon scores brace of tries as Scotland get better of South Africa
Lana Skeldon scored two first-half tries as Scotland beat South Africa 31-17 in their opening match of the inaugural WXV tournament in Stellenbosch.
Worcester hooker Skeldon powered over twice in the space of six minutes before half-time to give her side a 17-10 interval lead at the Danie Craven Stadium.
Libbie Janse van Rensburg’s early penalty and Aseza Hele’s converted touchdown had put South Africa 10-5 up after Scotland number eight Evie Gallagher had scored the game’s opening try.
Scotland prop Leah Bartlett’s converted score 10 minutes into the second period put her side 24-10 ahead and although South Africa reduced the deficit through Roseline Botes’ converted try, the Scots finished strongly.
GB 7’s centre Lisa Thomson went over for the game’s seventh and final try, with Meryl Smith adding her second successful conversion, to seal victory for Bryan Easson’s side.
Eighteen teams are taking part in the new three-tier WXV competition, with the top six, including England and Wales, to compete in WXV 1 in New Zealand on October 21 and 28 and November 4.
The next six nations, featuring Scotland and Ireland, are contesting WXV 2 in South Africa on October 13, 14, 21 and 28 and WXV 3 is being held across the same dates in Dubai.
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Always proud of the effort, Sam. The All blacks never stop fighting, never just roll over. He didn’t get anywhere near the respect he earned, but that’s due to results, not commitment to the cause. Have fun dominating in Japan!
Go to commentsNot sure why Papali’i thinks Scott Robertson needs his help to select the next All Black Captain. In my view, Papali’i would be well advised to have a good hard look at his own game, and to reflect on how fortunate he is to even wear the black jersey. Rather than shouting at his team mates at every set piece, standing in the mid-field pointing and holding his arms out and flopping to the ground at the back of every second or third ruck, may I suggest he would be far better employed actually doing something on the field. Seriously, watch him for 10 minutes during a game - not much happens. When was the last time he was first to a breakdown, or actually made a turnover? If Robertson is half the Coach I think he is, Papali’i will not be anywhere near the AB’s this season.
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