VIDEO: 'Should’ve been 8-0': De Bruin on Bok Women nuke squad
The Springboks have been known for changing the landscape of rugby, especially during a World Cup – and now, their female counterparts are dropping some bombshells of their own.
The Springbok Women made headlines on Thursday when they revealed a bench stacked with seven forwards for their quarterfinal clash against defending World Cup champions, the Black Ferns.
The match is a significant moment for South Africa, who will play in their first-ever quarterfinal.
The tactic has certainly caused a stir in the men’s game in recent years, with Rassie Erasmus first introducing it ahead of the 2023 World Cup during a warm-up match against the All Blacks.
They also used it during the tournament – most notably in the 12-11 victory over their old foes in the Final.
And this weekend, playing against the same foes in the form of the Black Ferns, Springbok Women head coach Swys de Bruin has gone with a similar formula.
“If you look at the composition of our team and our strengths, you know, we like to play with ten forwards in a lot of cases.
“New Zealanders play with ten or nine backline players – their centres are more in the backline. So, it’s a matter of horses for courses. We like the physical stuff, we like our strength, and we feel it’s the right thing to do.”
He jokingly added: “If the Boks can go 6-2 or 7-1, we can go 7-1 – it should have been 8-0.”
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While the tactic allows for unmatched physicality up front, it does come with risk – especially in the event of backline injuries.
De Bruin, however, is confident that Lerato Makua can fill the hybrid role, much like Kwagga Smith did for the men’s side.
“We are rolling the dice, but we are prepping Lerato Makua – she can really play anywhere.
“She will fill the same role Kwagga Smith had at the Lions years back, so we’re covered there.”
The coach also highlighted the versatility of other players.
“Eloise Webb can play anywhere, and Byrhandré Dolf is also fine at scrumhalf. So, it’s a case of really playing to our strengths.”
The Springbok Women will take on the Black Ferns on Saturday at Sandy Park in Exeter.
