The whistle hasn’t blown yet, but the Springbok Women are already on the front foot. Performance coach Swys de Bruin calls it “the wrapped bicycle under the Christmas tree.” It’s the kind of anticipation that makes your heart beat like boots on a hard-packed turf. On Thursday, they pack their kit for England, ready for the biggest set-piece of the past three years.
Johannesburg hosted the final warm-up, a training session played at the pace of a breakaway run. No one pulled back from the tackle.
We trained with a lot of intensity today, which was great for the coaches to see. They were really sharp at training.
The build-up has been more than just drills and strategy. It’s been a maul of momentum, with sponsors, executives, and marketers all binding in.
It was really pleasing to see how much effort was put into the team and the goodwill that was shown, from the executive council down to those wonderful people marketing the team, not to forget the way the team sponsors treated the players.
There is a reality about this team and this World Cup as we look to go further than ever before and get into the play-offs.
First phase: Brazil. The Bok Women have been in the video room, eyes narrowing like a scrum before the shove.
We had a good look at them already and our plans to deliver a good performance in our opener is taking shape. The team was given some homework on the opponents and their feedback was great. The session today filled me with enthusiasm.
But the real game isn’t just between the white lines. This team plays for the badge, the jersey, and the players still dreaming on dusty school fields.
The players understand what is at stake and that they are representing not only their country, but also those next generations in the women’s game.
We know a good performance will not only elevate the game in the minds and hearts of South Africans, but also justify the investment and time from SA Rugby’s side. We are determined to make the country proud.
Now they head for Northampton, ball in hand and space ahead, knowing the World Cup offers more than a chance to score tries. It’s a shot at changing the scoreboard for women’s rugby in South Africa forever.
