Defence key as Bok Women face ultimate test

Springbok Women’s assistant coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt revealed what aspects of their game need improvement when they face one of the best teams in the world, Canada.

South Africa assembled last weekend in Johannesburg in preparation for their first Test against Canada.

The Bok Women will take on the North Americans on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld, in a fixture that will serve as a curtain-raiser to the Springboks’ match against Italy.

With Canada in top form and currently ranked second on the World Rugby rankings, the fixture is South Africa’s toughest assignment so far.

“The girls know that we are up against one of the best nations in the world, and they know they’ve got to put their best foot forward,” said Springbok Women assistant coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt, speaking to Rugby365.

“Canada come with a lot of challenges, and we need to match them in a lot of facets of our game.”

Canada have beaten Australia 45-7 in Brisbane, drawn 27-27 with New Zealand in Christchurch, and beaten the USA 26-14 in Kansas City during the recent Pacific Four Series. Johannes-Haupt admitted that defence will be vital.

“With our game ever evolving, we definitely want to improve our defence – make sure that everything is going well again.

“There are different areas of the game we just want to get better at, and every facet is important, so we’re aiming for a holistic approach to improvement.”

This will be the first time the Bok Women face Canada on South African soil.

“This fixture is really special,” she stated.

“Not only do we get to play one of the best teams in the world, but we also get to play them as a curtain-raiser for the Springbok men.

“We will have people supporting us, and it’s special to see our game getting showcased and receiving the necessary exposure that is required for our game to keep expanding, growing, and evolving.”

The coach also delivered some good news, revealing that Bulls Daisies lock Vanaih Ubisi will return soon.

The lock, who was nominated for SA Rugby Player of the Year, has not played a single match this year and also missed a large chunk of the Women’s Premier Division season due to a knee injury.

“Ubisi is doing well in rehab – she’s almost ready to rejoin the team completely.

“She is being reintegrated to return to play. Exciting times for her return, and we’re just happy to have most of our ladies back and fit.”

The Springbok Women’s team will be announced on Thursday.