Boks tap into kicking game to trouble Ireland
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Springbok Women have reshuffled their back three in a bid to sharpen their kicking game, with an additional playmaker brought into the starting XV ahead of Saturday’s Test against Ireland at Athlone Stadium.
The Bok Women will be determined to put their kicking woes behind them after struggling in that department during last weekend’s 27-40 defeat to Ireland.
Despite showing glimpses of attacking brilliance and scoring five tries against the Irish, South Africa were ultimately outplayed, conceding six tries in the process.
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However, it was their kicking game that raised particular concerns.
Utility back Jakkie Cilliers missed four of her five conversion attempts, while Byrhandre Dolf also struggled to find consistency with her tactical kicking.
There were, nevertheless, some encouraging signs. Mary Zulu’s late introduction proved influential, with her well-placed cross-kick setting up Alichia Arries for the team’s opening try.
The coaching staff have now responded with a reshuffle in the back three.
Cilliers moves from fullback to wing, Dolf switches to fullback, while Zulu gets the nod at flyhalf as the Bok Women look to improve their territorial kicking and put Ireland under pressure.
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“We definitely don’t want to play a lot of the rugby in our half,” said Springbok co-head coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt.
“We want to put the ball down there and put them under pressure and play our game.”
Johannes-Haupt also explained that Maria Tshiremba’s move to the bench was largely influenced by the team’s tactical approach.
“We wanted an additional kicker on the field, hence why Jakkie moved to wing so that she can kick us out of trouble.”
Dolf, meanwhile, welcomed the opportunity to return to fullback, a position she has become increasingly comfortable in.
“I’m definitely more comfortable playing fullback because I’ve been playing that position mostly lately,” said Dolf.
“This week it’s just about getting back to driving the backfield properly, with our back three now having Jakkie there and also Mary slotting in sometimes at the back.
“I think we will manage our backfield and where we want to play much better this weekend.”
