Dolf on her role in the Bok Women's 'Bomb squad'
INTERVIEW: Springbok Women utility back Byhandre Dolf has taken her role in the ‘Bomb squad’ with absolute pride.
Named on the bench for the win over Japan and narrow defeat to Australia last weekend, Dolf does not underestimate her importance in the team’s set-up.
The Bulls Daisies back’s versatility has allowed the Bok Women’s management team to effectively execute the six-two split between forwards and backs on the bench.
“I really enjoy starting from the bench,” Dolf told @rugby365com.
“It allows you to see what is happening on the field.
“While you are sitting on the bench, coaches give you information to relay to the team, so you try to patch up the things where the team is lacking and try to make the difference.”
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Against Australia, Dolf took the field in the first 10 minutes after Cilliers sustained a head injury.
She impressed during the match, making 62 metres carried and beating two defenders.
This week Dolf might get a start given the absence of Cilliers and Libbie Janse van Rensburg due to injuries.
“It was a very tough match,” said Dolf, who can play flyhalf and fullback.
“I think the ‘Bomb squad’ really added the much-needed energy in the last 20 minutes and gave us the go-forward.”
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She said she is expecting another challenging encounter against Italy this weekend.
“We are going to fight for that points difference on the log.
“Both teams want to finish strong, so it’s going to be another tough one.”
Making her Springbok Women debut in 2023, the fleet-footed Dolf admitted defence has been a major work-on in her effort to become a good all-round player.
She revealed that new assistant coach Bafana Nhleko has really put in the effort to help her improve.
“Coach Bafana is very focussed on the defence.
“He has taught me a lot of fundamentals on how to improve my defence abilities.”
One of the youngest team members, the 21-year-old from Uitenhage in the Eastern Cape said she is enjoying the Bok set-up.
“I am one of those players who also brings the fun to the team because I am the youngest player in the set-up.
“The vibe in the camp is nice. Some of the Sevens players returned to the camp.
“The new structure is good and it gives us the ability to be ourselves and do more on the field.”
The Bok Women are set to name their team to face Italy on Thursday.
The side will face Italy at Athlone Stadium on Saturday, followed by the last match of the WXV 2 between Australia and Scotland.
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