AUDIO: Bok Women out to bag more 'lekker' results
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: There is no downplaying the importance of the WXV 2 tournament inside the Springbok Women camp.
The side has been hard at work preparing for WXV 2 which is set to kick off this week.
The Springbok Women will face Japan on Friday at the Cape Town Stadium.
The side has the right to head into the opening round with heaps of confidence after wins over Barbarians (59-17) and Spain (36-19) at the same venue in Greenpoint.
Springbok Women assistant coach Franzel September said the positive results coupled with their training camp in Port Elizabeth have added to the excitement of the tournament.
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“We had the camp in PE and two lekker matches against the Barbarians and Spain, which was all preparation for the WXV,” September stated at training on Monday at Hamiltons Rugby Football Club.
“Therefore, we are excited to take to the field on Friday.
“There is a big difference between last year and this year. This year there was a big build-up, played the curtain-raiser on September 7 [ahead of the Springboks versus All Blacks Rugby Championship Round Four match].
“We introduced ourselves on TV and then we had [the win over] Spain, the excitement is getting to us.
“We really want to do good for our fans.”
#SPOTLIGHT: All about the @WXVRugby this week #rugby #news #sports #WomenInSports #WomenInRugby https://t.co/AJeGZ2vfbB
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) September 23, 2024
The former Boland coach emphasised the importance of the tournament ahead of the World Cup 2025.
South Africa already booked their spot at next year’s showpiece.
“The more exposure women’s rugby gets the better and these tournaments give us that,” September said, adding: ” The importance of this tournament is for World Cup as well.
“So we really need to do well.”
Monday training session for the @WomenBoks at Hamiltons! @WXVRugby pic.twitter.com/kQOAxgz5h6
— Leezil Hendricks (@leezil07) September 23, 2024
Unpredictable Japan
When asked about the upcoming challenge in the shape of Japan, September said: “We did have a look at Japan, but the focus is on South Africa.
“In the last two matches, we focussed on our strengths and I think for this Friday and the rest of the competition it will be the same.”
He added: “As South Africans, we pride ourselves in our set-piece.
“But in terms of our overall game, our defence is way better now. We do keep the ball in hand for phases as well, we are scoring tries.
“So, whatever comes our way we just need to be ready for that.”
One year to go until the Women’s Rugby World Cup!
With exactly one year to go until Women’s Rugby World Cup England 2025 kicks off in Sunderland, excitement is sweeping across the host nation in anticipation of what will be the biggest and most accessible celebration of women’s rugby ever. Register now for the ticket presale.
