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The second round of the Pick n Pay Women’s Rugby Super League 1 confirmed one thing. The race for the title is already gathering serious momentum.
Across Cape Town, Durban, Bloemfontein and Wellington, there was no shortage of tries or crunching tackles. The familiar heavyweights asserted themselves again, while Free State announced their arrival in 2026 with a gritty comeback win.
Western Province Turn On The Style
DHL Western Province Women were slick and clinical in Bellville, outclassing the Golden Lions Women 53-5 at Rosina Paarwater Stadium.
Nine tries told the story. Pace out wide did the damage.
The return of Springbok prop Babalwa Latsha added muscle up front, and she celebrated with a brace. Voice Ndou and Shaunique Hess each crossed twice, while Logan Welman powered over from the base.
Province look balanced, sharp and ruthless when space opens up. After two rounds, they have made it clear they intend to be there at the business end.
Daisies Deliver Another Statement
In Durban, the Isuzu Bulls Daisies were simply too polished for the Sharks Women, winning 45-3.
Midfield powerhouse Zintle Mpupha continued her prolific form with two tries, while Libbie Janse van Rensburg struck early to set the tone.
The Daisies pack controlled proceedings, laying the platform for clinical finishing. When they build momentum, they are relentless. Two rounds in, they look every bit defending champions.
Free State Show Character
At Toyota Stadium, the Free State Women earned their first win of the season, overturning a half-time deficit to beat the EP Queens 21-12.
Kamohelo Makoele scored twice, including the decisive second-half effort, while Nontobeko Mohuli’s try shifted the momentum.
Three yellow cards against EP proved costly. Free State were patient, composed and clinical when the spaces opened. It was a result built on resilience.
Boland Step Up In The Heat
In Wellington, the Sanlam Boland Dames had to work hard before pulling away from the Border Ladies 45-21.
Border dominated early phases and midfield battles, but a yellow card shifted the balance. Boland found their rhythm in the second half, with scrumhalf Felicia Jacobs instrumental as the tempo increased.
Four second-half tries under the Wellington sun sealed it. Once the Dames found fluency, there was no stopping them.
Early Trends
Two rounds down, three teams remain unbeaten. The Daisies, Western Province and Boland have laid down markers.
But perhaps the most telling sign of the league’s growth is this. The margins are earned. Physicality is rising. Depth is improving.
The contenders have flexed. The chasing pack have shown fight.
Round three now carries even greater weight.
