Springbok Women’s Sevens coach Cecil Afrika feels the pieces are quickly falling into place for his team after their latest success in Dubai.

Afrika praised his side’s defensive effort and game control after an unbeaten weekend in the HSBC SVNS 3 tournament culminated in victory, highlighting teamwork and discipline as the foundation of their success. The Bok Women beat Argentina 12-5 in a tense final on Sunday.

“It was a great win and the players deserve all the credit. We really defended well, but our attack also proved very effective,” said Afrika.

“Overall, I think we got the balance right at this tournament. When we needed to, we defended our line very well and when the opportunity came, we could switch to attack and scored some really nice tries.”

It marked Afrika’s second consecutive title since taking over the coaching reins in October, adding to the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Cup triumph in Nairobi last November.

For Afrika, the defensive buy-in from his players stood out most.

“One of the keys to a successful defensive effort is for players to work hard for each other, getting back in line, getting back off the floor to get in position and to trust the system and not try things on your own.”

The victory also secured qualification for the HSBC SVNS 2 series, with three tournaments ahead starting in Nairobi next month.

Afrika was quick to credit the wider squad effort.

“We must also acknowledge those players who did not travel this time but are part of the squad. They helped us with our preparation and I am happy to say we got our tactics and game analysis right also.”

Photo: @WomenBoks/X