Four-try star Tshiremba follows sevens greats in Italy WXV clash
Former sevens convert Maria Tshiremba targets Italian redemption in Pordenone following rapid transition to the fifteens arena.
South Africa's Maria Tshiremba, a rugby sevens convert, has scored four tries in her first two Tests for the Springbok Women, following in the footsteps of established crossover stars like Nadine Roos, Ayanda Malinga, and Byrhandré Dolf. After a hat-trick against Fiji, Tshiremba added another try in South Africa's 50-19 defeat to Wales in Cardiff during the WXV Global Series opener.
The 30-year-old, who was furious about the Wales loss, is determined to redeem herself as the team prepares to face Italy in Pordenone on Saturday. Despite Italy's formidable reputation, Tshiremba believes her sevens experience has prepared her to find space on the wing and score tries. Former sevens player Ayanda Malinga, who has scored 17 tries in 21 Tests, will be on the opposite wing, recalling their World Cup quarter-final victory over Italy in York as a powerful blueprint.
The team is counting on Tshiremba and Malinga's finishing skills to boost their WXV campaign, with the matchday 23 set to be named on Thursday for the Saturday fixture.
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