Day one of the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup 2025 was a case of two dominant sides. Kenya and South Africa both secured victories in their respective matches against host Madagascar and Uganda.

On a sunny and breezy afternoon at Stade Makis in Antananarivo, the Springbok Women began their title defence emphatically, scoring 10 tries in a dominant 62-6 victory over Uganda.

The Kenya Lionesses went over the line 4 times and added a drop goal and a penalty to win the game 28-5 against the Ladies Makis. Grace Okulu's second-half drop goal was especially noteworthy, marking the first such score in the last three editions of the Rugby Africa Women's Cup.

Tisini tracking the two games has clear data on which players made the biggest impact, thanks to Tisini’s Player Impact Tracker. From powerhouse forwards to elusive backs, here are the top 15 players based on performance stats—and what made each of them shine.

We start with the standout of them all.

Edith Nariaka's Flawless Performance Leads the Way

The diminutive but inventive half-back, Edith Nariaka of Kenya, was the most impactful player on day one. With a top rating of 8.6/10, Kenya's midfield maestro dictated the tempo of the game and created opportunities for teammates through her exceptional passing.

A master of distribution, she made 55 passes — the highest on day one, acting as Kenya’s primary distributor. She was strong with her offload, registering 6, to help maintain attacking momentum and continuity for the Lionesses.

On a day when handling errors were the bane of both of the two top sides, the Kenyan half-back recorded 0 handling errors and had no penalties, showing great discipline.

Despite her smaller stature, she demonstrated exceptional performance with 6 carries, 6 tackles, and a perfect tackle completion rate. 

Forwards in the Match Day 1 Team

Day one was a day of intense individual battles with great physicality on display. Nombuyekezo Mdliki was an epitome of this with solid carries, registering 7 and 5 tackles. She also won one turnover with rare handling errors — a prop with technical discipline.

Kenya’s hooker, Naomi Muhanji, brought direct running and solid tackling to the side. She had a rating of 6.2 with 5 carries and 4 tackles in the game.

Nanou Razafializa, of Madagascar, was an aggressive front-row player with mobility. She had 2 carries, 5 tackles and won 1 turnover. In the match, she was a player quick to the breakdown and vital in tight exchanges.

On day one, lineouts were an area dominated by both Kenya and South Africa in their respective games. For Bok’s women, Nomsa Mokwai was aerially powerful, stealing 2 lineouts, and had a rating of 6.3. 

Madagascar’s dynamic lock, Felena Rakotoariason, exhibited a combination of athleticism with creative ball play. She had 3 carries, 6 tackles and 3 offloads.

Bok women’s loose forward, Lerato Makua, was lethal near the try line, with a first-half brace showing her finishing power. She was the joint second-highest in rating with 7.7, also chipping in defensively with 5 tackles. Exceptional at linking play between forwards and backs, she had 10 carries.

Kenya’s flanker, Enid Ouma (rating: 6.8), was key in defence, with a knack for turning over crucial balls. She won 2 turnovers and had 4 tackles. Kenya had another turnover specialist in Naomi Amuguni, who won 3 turnovers and had 4 tackles for a rating of 6.4. 

Backs in the Match Day 1 Team 

Mary Zulu, South Africa's fly-half, was a pivotal figure in orchestrating her team's attack. Her performance was marked by clinical precision, converting 4 goal kicks and executing 9 composed tactical kicks. Zulu's attacking prowess was further highlighted by 9 breaks.

Patience Mokone of South Africa proved a persistent attacking threat with 9 carries, and her clinical finishing earned her a brace in the game, contributing to an overall rating of 6.7. 

Moreen Muritu of Kenya had a rating of 6.7 and came out as a relentless tackler. She had a team high of 11 tackles.

In a very physical game, Faith Livoi (Kenya), rated 7.7, proved an all-around powerhouse with an unmatched work rate. She dominated offensively with 15 carries, 9 passes, and consistent line-breaking, while defensively, she excelled with 9 tackles and a crucial turnover.

On the other wing, Freshia Oduor was a consistent contributor, helping maintain Kenya’s attacking momentum. She contributed with 9 carries and registered 8 tackles, falling just one short of Faith's impressive tally in that department. Overall, she earned a rating of 7.2.

South Africa's full-back Byrhandre Dolf proved a dangerous attacking threat, scoring a try and a goal kick. She combined safe high-ball handling with immense flair, evident in her 3 carries and 6 breaks, consistently creating scoring opportunities.

Based on data, only Uganda lacked a player in the best 15.

Kenya Lionesses Handling Errors 

Kenya Lionness had control of the game, but many will be left with the feeling they could have got more. The team enjoyed superior territorial possession at 74% and had frequent visits from the opposition, 22m (17 visits).This strong attacking pressure was consistently undermined by 27 handling errors. The unforced errors disrupted play and prevented them from converting their advantage into scoring opportunities.

In contrast, South Africa, despite having slightly less territory at 67%, demonstrated greater efficiency; their significantly lower 15 handling errors allowed for better ball retention and more composed, impactful phases of play.

Both winning teams scored mostly from breakdowns in the 22 and set pieces. Kenya implemented a good lineout-to-scrum strategy that led to Madagascar not contesting Kenya's lineouts in the second half. 

In the next round, Kenya will meet the Boks’ women on Wednesday as the host takes on Uganda.

Feature Image Credit: Rugby Afrique