AUDIO: 'We are not delusional'
SPOTLIGHT: No one likes to lose, especially if you’re an athlete and even more so if you’re part of the Springbok Women’s team.
The side has been under immense pressure to stack up wins as they prepare for the 2025 World Cup, which will be held in England next month.
The South African Women are the current Rugby Africa Cup champions and have been dominating that tournament since 2019, securing four titles.
However, it’s on the international stage where they’ve been struggling.
Since August, they have managed to produce two impressive victories, including wins over a star-laden Barbarians squad at Cape Town Stadium and against Japan.
In terms of performance and attitude, one can really see the improvement under the guidance of performance coach Swys de Bruin.
But like they say, you’re only as good as your last game, and that means last week’s 20-50 defeat to Canada has left a blemish on what is shaping up to be a promising year.
The loss to the second-ranked North Americans at Loftus Versfeld was certainly a harsh reality check. However, it has also given De Bruin and his team valuable insight into what is expected from them at the World Cup.
Over the next few weeks, they’ll work on building solid combinations, especially in the 9, 10, and 15 positions.
They’ll also aim to perfect their already effective set-piece.
The side knows it won’t get any easier as they take on Canada in their second test in Gqeberha.
*Article continues below…
“We are not delusional about the challenge that lies ahead of us,” Springbok prop Babalwa Latsha stated.
“We know that Canada are a tough opponent. We’ve made plans to do the best we can as we prepare for the World Cup.
“So overall, this is really good exposure for us—really good experience. We can put it in our back pockets and build from there.”
Lastha has urged fans not to lose faith and to continue supporting the team as they build towards the ultimate showpiece.
“In South Africa, women’s rugby is picking up momentum and growing tremendously.
“I think it’s important for fans to keep watching, following, and tuning into women’s rugby, because we are on a journey to something special.
“For some of our girls on this team, this is a homecoming. To play on home Eastern Cape soil is really special, and this is such an exciting occasion for the entire group.”
Following the Gqeberha clash, the Bok Women will face the New Zealand XV on July 26 and August 2.
