"In certain other sports, Brazil's absence from any World Cup would be regarded as downright bizarre. It's not quite like that in rugby, and their women's 15s team created history simply by running on to the turf on Sunday. The first Brazil team to qualify for a men's or women's Rugby World Cup had played just 16 times before this, winning five matches, including a playoff against Colombia last year that sealed qualification."
"Our first Brazil fan of the day, one of the friendly volunteers outside Northampton train station declared just before 10am, as supporters began to drift from the platforms towards the venue. There would be more to come. The throb of drums was audible on approach to the stadium, too. Although it may be stretching it to suggest Northampton was rocking to a samba beat courtesy of the World Rugby-sanctioned percussionists positioned outside Gate Three. Libbie Janse van Rensburg celebrates after scoring a try for South Africa. Photograph: Sam Mellish/Getty Images There was more than a whiff of carnival atmosphere in the air, though, as the fans welcomed Japan and Ireland for their first instalment of the Franklin's Gardens double-header."
"Each time a fleet-footed Brazilian got hands on the ball in a bit of space there was a buzz. After three early tries, one disallowed, in quick succession for South Africa it looked like a cricket score might materialise but the lowest-ranked team in the tournament stuck doggedly to their defensive duties, and a sweetly struck penalty from Raquel Kochhann got them on the board after 10 minutes. Kochhann is a cancer survivor as well as multiple Olympian, in sevens, and personifies the character and ambition of the Brazil squad."
Brazil's women's 15s rugby team achieved a first-ever qualification for a men's or women's Rugby World Cup after just 16 prior matches and five wins. The team entered the tournament having secured qualification via a playoff victory over Colombia. A festive, carnival-like atmosphere greeted supporters at the venue, with visible Brazilian colors and percussion around the stadium. South Africa scored three early tries, but Brazil held resolute defensive lines. Raquel Kochhann converted a well-struck penalty after ten minutes. Kochhann is both a cancer survivor and a multiple Olympian in sevens, embodying the squad's determination.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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