World Cup 2029 driving Springbok Women's Fiji mission
Every Test match matters, but for the Springbok Women, this weekend’s historic clash against Fijiana XV is about far more than just the result.
As South Africa embarks on its first-ever two-Test series in Fiji, the focus is firmly fixed on the bigger picture – building a squad capable of challenging for a medal at the 2029 Rugby World Cup.
The series marks another crucial milestone in that journey, giving the Springbok Women valuable international experience against unfamiliar opposition and another opportunity to grow as a team.
Springbok Women assistant coach Franzel September made it clear that every tour and every Test forms part of a carefully mapped-out World Cup plan.
“This is part of the bigger picture,” said September.
“We’re not here just to go to the next World Cup, but to compete and be better than where we left off.
“We want to come back with a medal in 2029.”
Before thoughts turn to the future, however, the Bok Women have another piece of history to write as they face Fijiana XV in the first-ever Test series between the two nations.
Their only previous meeting came at the 2022 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, where Fiji edged South Africa 21-17 in a fiercely contested encounter.
The Springbok Women head into Saturday’s opening Test on the back of a hard-fought 1-1 series draw against the USA, another valuable learning experience in their World Cup preparations.
The touring squad has also been strengthened by the return of No. 8 Aseza Hele, who has recovered from the hand injury she sustained while representing Boland in the Women’s Super League.
The return of Sevens stars Cathryn Jacobs and Maceala Samboya provides another timely boost as the coaching staff continue to build depth ahead of the global showpiece.
September believes the Fiji tour will provide invaluable experience, not only on the field but also off it.
“It’s all about getting game time, getting the best matches and getting used to travel as well.”
He also highlighted the key lessons learned from the USA series.
“We have to minimise our errors.
“If you give the opposition an opportunity to score, we have to make sure we keep them out from a defensive point of view.
“From a breakdown point of view, Lauren Johannes-Haupt has worked really hard on our breakdowns to ensure we retain possession and maintain good ball continuity. If we have that, we will capitalise and score tries.
“Whatever moments we create, we just need to convert them into points.”
South Africa are currently ranked 10th in the world, three places above Fiji, but September is under no illusions about the challenge awaiting his side.
“First of all, they’ve got a good Sevens team. They’ve got a new coaching team and a good group of players.
“We have some footage on them, but the focus is on us at this moment in time.
“We’re well aware of the fact that they like to move the ball wide and can come up with something special.”
