The Springbok Women secured their fifth consecutive Rugby Africa Women's Cup title with a 35-20 victory over Kenya in Nairobi on Sunday, but were pushed far harder than expected by the determined home side.

Despite entering the final as favourites, South Africa found themselves trailing 8-7 at half-time after Kenya delivered a spirited and physically committed performance in front of a passionate home crowd.

The match began with South Africa striking first through winger Alichia Arries, who finished a well-constructed attacking sequence in the corner, with Jakkie Cilliers adding the conversion.However, Kenya responded strongly, with Faith Livoi scoring after an attacking move initiated by flyhalf Sinaida Mokaya.Mokaya later added a penalty to give the hosts a narrow half-time lead.In the second half, the Springbok Women raised their intensity and began converting territorial dominance into points.

Naima Hlatshwayo opened the scoring for South Africa after the break, followed by tries from No 8 Logan Welman and Jakkie Cilliers during a dominant 17-minute spell that shifted momentum firmly in their favour.Their structured attack and quick recycling of possession stretched the Kenyan defence repeatedly.Kenya, however, refused to fade.

Knight Otuoma crossed the line to revive hopes, and Mokaya produced a standout solo effort after gathering a loose kick and sprinting down the wing, narrowing the gap to just two points with minutes remaining.

Cilliers responded under pressure with two crucial penalty goals to restore control, before replacement Ntsako Mbombi sealed the victory after the hooter with a powerful maul try.

Although the final scoreline suggests a comfortable margin, South Africa were made to work hard throughout by a resilient Kenyan side that challenged them physically and tactically until the closing stages.