VIDEO - 'My heart is happy': SA legend on Bok Women's play-off spot
The Springbok Women’s historic 29-24 win over Italy is a very significant moment for the women’s game in the country.
And no one knows that better than captain and stalwart Nolisindiso ‘Cindy’ Booi.
Playing in her fourth and final World Cup, Booi captained the side during the victory over Italy at the York Community Stadium on Sunday.
Not only is it the team’s first win over the Italians after four attempts, but it also means that South Africa has broken into the top 10 of the World Rankings – a feat they have not achieved since 2011.
To make it even more special, the win also sees the Springbok Women book a spot in the play-offs for the very first time.
They’ve never qualified beyond the pool stage of a World Cup and have had just three wins and 15 defeats from their four appearances, along with a points difference of -590. They did not enter the 2017 edition.
Having been part of three campaigns (2010, 2014, and 2021), Booi could not contain her emotions after the victory in York.
*Article continues below…
“It’s emotional and exciting at the same time,” said the 54-Test cap Springbok.
“It’s something that I’ve prayed for.”
She admitted there is still a lot of work ahead, but she can now step away from the game knowing the team is showing immense progress.
“This is always something I wished I could achieve, and I feel like we did it,” Booi told Rugby365.
“I know that we still have a long way to go, and this is not over yet.
“We will celebrate and feel good, but when the week starts, it’s something different.
“We have to prepare for something else, but on my side, my heart is happy. I’m happy.”
The Springbok Women dominated from the kick-off thanks to their strong pack.
They scored within the first minutes of the game, No.8 Aseza Hele powering over the line after an incredible scrum.
The Bok Women continued their dominance taking a 17-12 lead at the break.
Italy levelled matters twice, before flank Sinazo Mcatshulwa scored the winning try in the closing stages.
“We knew that they would come with their backs, but we had to make sure that as forwards, we stuck together. We killed them there; we made them tired so that we could get the momentum.”
Booi said she was proud of how the team didn’t give up when the score was level and that it gives her a lot of confidence heading into the fixtures against France.
“When we’re under pressure, we showed that we play as one and proved that we fight for one another.
“We did make a lot of mistakes, but we were there for one another. And I know that for our next game, we’ll have to do some little tweaks here and there, but our set-pieces are working for us.
“Our scrums – we have a weapon.
“I know that everyone out there is looking at us, and they knew that we were going to come.
“However, as forwards, we want to make sure that we are giving our backs a good platform.”
She added: “Some of the things we’re still having problems with are our breakdowns, but I feel like it was much better than the previous game [against Brazil], which means that pressure is a privilege for us.
“I know that France is a physical team also, so they’re going to challenge us – but we’ll be in their faces as well, and we will challenge them.”
The Springbok Women will be back in Northampton for the week as they prepare for their last Pool D clash against France on Sunday.
