As the Rugby World Cup looms in England, the Springbok Women are shifting from mere participants to genuine contenders. Veteran scrumhalf Tayla Kinsey shared insights as the team convened in Cape Town, gearing up for pivotal matches against New Zealand's fearsome Black Ferns. These games are crucial litmus tests for their World Cup preparations next month.
Placed in a challenging Pool C alongside France, Italy, and Brazil, the Bok Women are not short on tough competition. However, Kinsey remains optimistic, boosted by their recent performances. “
“We really saw that we are not that far behind the top teams and that did a lot for our belief going into the World Cup,”
said Kinsey, who brings the experience of 40 international caps to the squad.Their recent encounter with Canada, particularly the robust second Test, was a treasure trove of lessons. The Bok Women proved their mettle by standing strong against the world's fourth-ranked team. Now, all eyes are on the upcoming series against the Black Ferns, renowned for their depth and rugby prowess, including eight capped internationals and three from their Sevens team.
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“The next two games will be a learning opportunity for us,”
Kinsey noted, acknowledging the formidable challenge ahead. The team will also welcome back Lindelwa Gwala, South Africa’s most experienced hooker, who missed the Canada fixtures but is set to make a timely return as the squad fine-tunes their strategies.Kinsey is bullish about the team's prospects, buoyed by a growing sense of self-belief and unity. “When we play as a team, we can be unstoppable,” she added. The upcoming match at Athlone Stadium—a venue that has become an ‘unofficial home ground’ after last year's WXV 2 tournament—is anticipated with excitement, promising a vibrant atmosphere. Kinsey playfully hopes the loyal crowd will “hopefully everyone comes back and brings a plus one!”
With the team announcement scheduled for Thursday, anticipation is building. The Springbok Women are ready to make their mark, not just as participants, but as fierce competitors on the world stage.