VIDEO: Method to Bok Women's backline switches
SPOTLIGHT: It is no secret that, like the Springbok men, the Bok Women’s pack and physicality have been the team’s most prominent weapon and have been key to challenging tough opposition.
Last weekend was no different. The pack led the way and scored all four tries during a 26-34 defeat to the Black Ferns XV.
No. 8 Aseza Hele bagged a brace of tries, while tighthead prop Babalwa Latsha and Nombuyekezo Mdliki were the other try-scorers.
The forwards are a fearsome unit and are run like a well-oiled machine, but there are concerns surrounding the backline.
Over the last three fixtures, Springbok Women management has made a raft of backline changes in an effort to find the perfect combinations, but they have been struggling despite the impressive talent of the players like Nadine Roos, Eloise Webb and Byrhandre Dolf.
Speaking to reporters, Springbok utility back Libbie Janse van Rensburg, who has featured at fullback, inside centre, and started at flyhalf last weekend, said the backline is close to finding the settled formation for the World Cup, which kicks off on August 22.
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“I think we have found a bit more of a settlement in our combinations,” Janse van Rensburg told reporters in Cape Town.
“Earlier this year, there was a lot of shifting. I think you can see that the players are becoming a little bit more settled. We’re just trusting what the coach’s plans are for the World Cup.”
With just one game remaining before the World Cup, the Bulls Daisies star – who has featured at fullback, inside centre, and started at flyhalf last weekend – said the variation has been beneficial for her growth as a player.
“I like the challenge of having to play at different positions.
“Although I find comfort in playing at 10, I know what’s expected of me, but it’s also good to test yourself as a player so you don’t become too complacent.”
Janse van Rensburg added that the coaching staff’s willingness to rotate players is preparing the team for the unpredictability of the tournament.
“As we saw in the second half of the last game, the coaches will make changes and sometimes put you in a position that maybe you haven’t trained at or maybe you haven’t had a run in.
“So it’s good for us all to be able to slot into any position.
“Like I said, anything can happen at a World Cup. Anyone can pick up an injury, and then you’re going to have to adapt to it.
“So I think it’s good for our girls to play in those different positions.”
Looking ahead to this weekend’s fixture against the Black Ferns XV, Janse van Rensburg said the team is focused on cutting out individual errors and delivering a more complete performance.
“People must remember that no one goes onto the field planning to make mistakes.
“No one plans to knock a ball, but mistakes happen. It’s rugby, it’s part of the game – that’s why we love it.
“But obviously, we do try to fix the mistakes.
“That’s why we’re playing against opposition like that – because they put so much pressure on us.
“We’re playing against the best, so we can strive to become better. So I think it’s been working for us.
“We’ve tweaked a few things, so we’re excited to see what we’re going to do in the next game.”
The match-23 for the second fixture will be announced on Thursday, with Nolusindiso Booi and Sizophila Solontsi still not considered for selection.
Golden Lions prop Xoliswa Khuszwayo has meanwhile joined her teammates with whom she last played at the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in June.
Photo credit: Ané Havenga
