AUDIO: 'We've tasted it, now we want more'
Springbok Women captain Nolusindiso Booi says her team is hungry for more after experiencing World Cup knockout rugby for the first time in history.
Booi, playing in her 55th Test, led South Africa in their quarterfinal clash against New Zealand on Saturday at Sandy Park, a historic milestone for the team despite falling short in a 17-46 defeat to the defending champions.
The Springbok Women made their presence felt early, holding the Black Ferns to a 10–10 deadlock at halftime – the first time any team has managed to do so against New Zealand in women’s World Cup history.
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“I’m very proud of the girls because we always have a plan for everything,” said Booi.
“I feel like in the first 40 minutes, we were there. You could see from their faces [the Black Ferns] that they didn’t know what was coming.”
While South Africa eventually conceded eight tries, they responded with three of their own, capping off a campaign that also saw victories over Brazil and Italy.
“We know they are a good team, and congratulations to them – they just outclassed us in the second half,” Booi admitted.
Despite bowing out, Booi remains optimistic about the future, especially as she steps away from World Cup rugby.
“We learn from our mistakes, knowing that next time when the girls are coming to play the World Cup, they will be better.
“They will go to the finals for sure.”
The Springbok Women’s growth on the world stage was one of the talking points of the tournament, with Booi highlighting how the team now believes they belong.
“It’s the beginning of beautiful things,” she said.
“It’s so nice to taste something you know will taste even better next time.
“By winning our first two pool games, we were motivated and had belief.
“Coming into this game, we knew it wouldn’t be easy. But my girls fought.
“We played a good game of rugby.”
