Bok Women tipped to be a force at 2029 World Cup
SPOTLIGHT: Ireland head coach Scott Bemand and captain Erin King have issued a stern World Cup 2029 warning following their team’s 40-22 win over South Africa at Athlone Stadium.
The last time the two teams went head-to-head was at the 2006 World Cup, where Ireland recorded a 37-0 victory.
However, a lot has changed since then, with the Springbok Women growing in leaps and bounds in recent years.
Their growth was evident as Ireland conceded five tries but scored six to secure the win.
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Speaking after the fixture, Irish head coach Bemand admitted that, given the growth of the Bok Women, they will definitely be a force to be reckoned with at the 2029 World Cup in Australia.
The Bok Women were regarded as one of the standout teams at the last World Cup, securing a quarter-final spot for the first time and pushing the Black Ferns in their play-off showdown.
“I think it’s great to see what South African women are doing,” said Bemand.
“The union are investing in it, it’s growing, it’s on a really rapid increase – which isn’t too dissimilar to where we were two or three years ago. We’ve made some leaps and continue trying to chase that. We talk about growing our green wave on and off the pitch.
“Coming to being able to spend time away from Ireland on tour in a series against a team that we view as going places.
“I think by the time we get to Australia for the World Cup, I think South Africa could be right in the mix.”
Ireland captain Erin King, who was among the try-scorers, echoed her coach’s sentiments.
“We were probably in a similar position to them a few years ago.
“It’s great to see the investment and the excitement growing in South Africa with women’s rugby.
“The buzz around the place, the people in the stands, people are coming to watch them.
“They’re a really exciting team. It wasn’t an easy challenge. We talked about that all week.
“They have some great rugby players. It’s probably one of the most physical packs I’ve ever played against. Even the backs as well – some of them are so physical.
“In a few years’ time, they’re already very dangerous.
“But I think they will be dangerous at that World Cup in a few years’ time.”
Ireland and South Africa faced each other on South African soil for the first time last weekend in the opening Test of their two-match WXV Global Series.
For Bemand, the tour also presents a valuable opportunity to test his side against a physically imposing opponent.
“We don’t actually do many tours where we play a series of games.
“I’ve been involved in the women’s space coaching rugby now for probably a good 11-12 years, and I think this is my first series tour away from home.”
Bemand admitted that containing the Springbok Women’s powerful pack would be one of Ireland’s biggest challenges.
“It’s a challenge for us to come and test ourselves against South Africa’s power,” he said.
“There’s bits of the game last weekend where they were able to show that. There’s bits of the game that we were able to show the bits that we’re going after as well.
“What we’ve got now is a great opportunity, both coaching groups to go away and work out where we go next week. I think that’s the class thing about playing a series.”
The Ireland will take on the Springbok Women this weekend at the Athlone Stadium in the second test.
