This weekend marks a monumental clash as the Bok Women, having soared into the knockout stages for the first time, prepare to face the formidable Black Ferns in the Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-finals. Meanwhile, their male counterparts will battle it out in the Rugby Championship, setting the stage for a thrilling double-header against New Zealand.
In an audacious move, Swys de Bruin, head coach for the Springbok Women, has opted for a controversial 7-1 split on the bench—a strategy mirroring the one that helped the Springboks clinch the 2023 World Cup. De Bruin, a former assistant under Rassie Erasmus, believes this tactic is perfectly suited for the challenge posed by New Zealand.
“We decided on the 7-1 split because of the profile of our team,”
he explained. “We are a team that like to dominate upfront and playing two fresh packs – in each half – against the Black Ferns is a tactical decision. We rested all those players against France to be ready for this Test and now it is time for them to take on New Zealand with fresh legs and eager minds.”
De Bruin has revamped his lineup, making ten changes from the squad that faced France in the pool stages. Nolusindiso Booi will lead the team, flanked by returning players Lindelwa Gwala, Danelle Lochner, Sizophila Solontsi, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Zintle Mpupha, and Ayanda Malinga, who all last played in the victory over Italy.
“You must realise, our squad was not used to this intensity and quality of opposition for a long time, so we had to plan their workload properly. I am happy to say it worked out exactly as planned and we are ready to go,”
De Bruin added.
Despite the historical dominance of the Black Ferns, who have claimed the World Cup six times, De Bruin remains optimistic about the Bok Women’s progress and resilience.
“Leave nothing on the field. We will carry you off if you are too tired to walk at the end of it. This is the biggest game of your life, go out and enjoy it,”
he rallied his team.
The tactic, while effective, has not been without criticism, notably from former Scotland coach Matt Williams, who argues it goes against the spirit of the game. Yet, as the Bok Women prepare for battle, their focus is unwavering, poised to make a historic impact at Sandy Park in Exeter.
Springbok Women team to face New Zealand: 15 Byrhandré Dolf, 14 Maceala Samboya, 13 Zintle Mpupha, 12 Aphiwe Ngwevu, 11 Ayanda Malinga, 10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg, 9 Nadine Roos, 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Sinazo Mcatshulwa, 6 Sizophila Solontsi, 5 Danelle Lochner, 4 Nolusindiso Booi (c), 3 Babalwa Latsha, 2 Lind
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This weekend marks a monumental clash as the Bok Women, having soared into the knockout stages for the first time, prepare to face the formidable Black Ferns in the Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-finals. Meanwhile, their male counterparts will battle it out in the Rugby Championship, setting the stage for a thrilling double-header against New Zealand.
In an audacious move, Swys de Bruin, head coach for the Springbok Women, has opted for a controversial 7-1 split on the bench—a strategy mirroring the one that helped the Springboks clinch the 2023 World Cup. De Bruin, a former assistant under Rassie Erasmus, believes this tactic is perfectly suited for the challenge posed by New Zealand.
“We decided on the 7-1 split because of the profile of our team,”
he explained. “We are a team that like to dominate upfront and playing two fresh packs – in each half – against the Black Ferns is a tactical decision. We rested all those players against France to be ready for this Test and now it is time for them to take on New Zealand with fresh legs and eager minds.”De Bruin has revamped his lineup, making ten changes from the squad that faced France in the pool stages. Nolusindiso Booi will lead the team, flanked by returning players Lindelwa Gwala, Danelle Lochner, Sizophila Solontsi, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Zintle Mpupha, and Ayanda Malinga, who all last played in the victory over Italy.
“You must realise, our squad was not used to this intensity and quality of opposition for a long time, so we had to plan their workload properly. I am happy to say it worked out exactly as planned and we are ready to go,”
De Bruin added.Despite the historical dominance of the Black Ferns, who have claimed the World Cup six times, De Bruin remains optimistic about the Bok Women’s progress and resilience.
“Leave nothing on the field. We will carry you off if you are too tired to walk at the end of it. This is the biggest game of your life, go out and enjoy it,”
he rallied his team.The tactic, while effective, has not been without criticism, notably from former Scotland coach Matt Williams, who argues it goes against the spirit of the game. Yet, as the Bok Women prepare for battle, their focus is unwavering, poised to make a historic impact at Sandy Park in Exeter.
Springbok Women team to face New Zealand: 15 Byrhandré Dolf, 14 Maceala Samboya, 13 Zintle Mpupha, 12 Aphiwe Ngwevu, 11 Ayanda Malinga, 10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg, 9 Nadine Roos, 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Sinazo Mcatshulwa, 6 Sizophila Solontsi, 5 Danelle Lochner, 4 Nolusindiso Booi (c), 3 Babalwa Latsha, 2 Lind