Bok Women coaching team on the same page ahead of WXV
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Assistant coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt says the new Springbok Women coaching team is on the same page heading into the WXV 2 tournament in Cape Town next month.
The Springbok Women concluded their training camp in Gqeberha on Friday and Johannes-Haupt reflected on the hard work where 46 players prepared for two weeks to get ready for the first opportunity to play at home in 2024.
“It was great to have so many players, no doubt the best we have in the country, available for this camp and one can only thank all the stakeholders who made this possible,” said Johannes-Haupt.
“It was really great to have all of them in camp and for the new coaching staff to work closely with them.”
She said it was also an ideal way for the new coaching team to align and work together.
Swys de Bruin was named as Springbok Women performance coach earlier this month, with Bafana Nhleko added as backs and defence coach, joining incumbent forwards coaches Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September.
“We found each other very quickly and was on the same page almost from day one of camp,” said Johannes-Haupt.
“There is good interaction in this coaching group and we got a lot of detail done. I am also pleased with the progress on our fundamentals and the work done by our forwards.”
The scrum coach said the presence of a number of Springbok Women’s Sevens players also boosted the energy: “It is lovely to have them back, as we did not have access to them as they were playing in the world series earlier.
“They bring so much speed and energy to our team and it is really nice to have them back and available to play for us.”
The Bok Women face a star-studded Barbarians team next Saturday at Cape Town Stadium and will play Spain at the same venue on September 19 before they start their WXV 2 campaign against Japan on September 27, also at Cape Town Stadium.
A squad of 36 players will assemble in Cape Town this weekend to prepare for the first two fixtures.
“Our focus over the last two weeks was all about ourselves and what we wanted to achieve as a squad,” she said.
“With that foundation done, we will start preparing for the BaaBaas match in all earnest on Monday.
“They will be a real test for us. It is a match everyone is looking forward to, especially as we will share the match day experience with the Springboks.”
The match against the Barbarians will kick-off at 13.30 (local time) next Saturday and the Springboks/All Blacks encounter at 17.00.
Johannes-Haupt urges ticket holders to flock into the stadium early: “It would be lovely if people can come early to watch us play as well.
“This will be our first match at home this year and everyone is very excited about that.”
Springbok Women squad for Barbarians and Spain matches:
Forwards: Lindelwa Gwala, Micke Gunter, Roseline Botes, Sanelisiwe Charlie, Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Yonela Ngxingolo, Azisa Mkiva, Babalwa Latsha, Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Danelle Lochner, Nolusindiso Booi, Vainah Ubisi, Catha Jacobs, Anathi Qolo, Aseza Hele, Sinazo Mcatshulwa, Sinelitha Noxeke, Sizophila Solontsi, Nobuhle Mjwara.
Backs: Tayla Kinsey, Felicia Jacobs, Unam Tose, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Mary Zulu, Nadine Roos, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Chumisa Qawe, Zintle Mpupha, Jakkie Cilliers, Maceala Samboya, Nomawethu Mabenge, Shaunique Hess, Eloise Webb, Ayanda Malinga, Maria Tshiremba, ByrhandrѐDolf.
Pre-WXV match schedule (Kick-off times are local):
Saturday, September 7:
Springbok Women v Barbarians
Venue: Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
Kick-off: 13.30
Thursday, September 19:
Springbok Women vs Spain
Venue: Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
Kick-off: 17.00
