'Big deal' as Bok Women scrum boss eyes hometown win over Wallaroos
INTERVIEW: As she is cementing herself as one of the leading coaches in women’s rugby, Springbok Women scrum coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt hopes to inspire more women to get involved and grow the sport.
Johannes-Haupt was the first woman appointed as a South African national team coach when she took charge of the country’s women’s Under-20 side in May 2019.
The University of the Western Cape alumna took that role with confidence years later and is now the official Springbok Women scrum coach.
A former Springbok prop, she is gradually establishing herself as one of the leading female coaches in the country.
Johannes-Haupt started her coaching career with the Western Province junior teams before progressing to the senior ranks – first as an assistant, and then as the head coach of the Western Province women’s senior team.
This Saturday, Johannes-Haupt returns to her hometown when the Springbok Women take on the Wallaroos at Athlone Stadium in Round Two of the WXV 2.
#NEWS: How Bok Women can keep the pressure on the top 10 teams #rugby #news #sports @WomenBoks @WXVRugby @WorldRugby #WomenInSport #WomeInRugby https://t.co/OrdyVW9JqD
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The fixture is arguably one of the toughest assignments for the Bok Women, who recorded a 31-24 win over Japan in the opener.
Speaking to @rugby365com, the former Athlone High School teacher said it is a full circle moment for her.
“It is a big deal because that is the community I grew up in,” said Johannes-Haupt.
“It is always nice to have your people there and supporting the girls.
“A lot has been said about the girls and they just put in all the effort, so it would be nice to come full circle with them showcasing their talent.”
Johannes-Haupt admitted the move from player to coach has not been easy.
However, SA Rugby and world-class coaches, including Springbok Women’s performance coach Swys de Bruin, have made the switch less daunting.
“Initially it was a tough one to navigate because it is a male-dominated arena.
“But I was just passionate about giving back to this game that gave me so much when I was a player.
“The transition was not always smooth sailing, but it definitely got better.
“I have been exposed to world-class mentors and coaches in our fraternity in SA Rugby.
“I’m really excited as a coach and I am hoping to inspire other coaches and girls interested in this game.
“I want to urge them to showcase their talent, whether as coach, player, or analyse because there is such a lot of opportunity in the space of rugby.
” I’m encouraging girls and whoever wants to get involved.”
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Turning her attention to Australia, the coach said the main focal point for Springbok Women has been the attack.
“We have been preparing really well. We focussed a lot on our attack and our set-piece.”
The coach revealed that they have been working hard to get some synergy between the formidable forwards and backline, which has been a little bit of a concern.
The backline has undergone some changes since their win over Japan.
Unam Tose will make a first start at scrumhalf this year, while Zintle Mpupha comes in for Eloise Webb in the midfield, where she will combine with Chumisa Qawe.
Webb moves to fullback in place of Libbie Janse van Rensburg, who picked up a leg injury in training this week and was ruled out of the match.
“Everybody is clear in regards to our structure and what we want to achieve against Australia,” said Johannes-Haupt.
“So hopefully it all goes well for us.
“We really want to merch and holistically have a team where the forwards are dominating set-piece time and the backs are scoring tries.”
