SPRINGBOK Women coach Swys de Bruin was in a typically excited mood yesterday when he discussed tomorrow’s WXV 2 match against Italy in Cape Town and its place in the build-up to the 2025 World Cup.
“Something is happening in women’s rugby in this country,” the ebullient De Bruin said.
“We are catching up to the rest of the world. This women’s rugby bus is moving – the question is who is on and who is not, because when this bus gathers speed, it is going to be a very fast bus.”
The charismatic former Lions and Springbok assistant has been brought into the women’s fold to inject energy and attacking prowess, and the ladies are responding.
The Bok Women beat Japan 31-24 in their tournament opener, and then lost 33-26 to Australia in a dramatic finish last weekend.
Now they will hope to finish the WXV 2 in style against Italy at the Athlone Stadium tomorrow (2pm kick-off).
“It is big picture thing,” De Bruin said of next year’s World Cup in England and beyond.
“SA Rugby is giving everything to this part of the game – from (CEO) Rian Oberholzer and (high-performance manager) Dave Wessels to the excellent coaches and management I have been given.
“I have been with men’s professional teams for years, and this women’s team is as professional as any team I have been with,” De Bruin added.
“How they train, the dietitians… It is a bigger picture than most people realise, and this team is on the move.”
The Bok Women lost with honour last week against the Wallaroos, and tomorrow, they have a tricky hurdle against Italy.
“They certainly can mix it up, with good interplay by backs and forwards, and they have some good decision-makers, which is such a vital aspect in the women’s game,” De Bruin said.
“They will test us differently to (previous opponents) Japan and Australia and that is perfect for us, as we need different pictures all the time on our growth path.
“We want to finish this tournament strong, with a performance that not only ourselves, but the country can be proud of.”
The team shows several changes, some forced and some down to rotation.
Nomawethu Mabenge (wing) and the uncapped Nombuyekezo Mdliki (prop) are injury replacements.
Mabenge will slot into the No 14 jersey worn by Jakkie Cilliers against Japan and Australia and will start in her 18th Test, while Mdliki will make her debut off the bench.
Cilliers, Libbie Janse van Rensburg and Maceala Samboya picked up injuries last week.
In unenforced changes, lock Nolusindiso Booi returns as captain, resulting in a straight swop with Danelle Lochner, who reverts to the bench.
Star hooker Lindelwa Gwala, who often scores tries off the back of mauls, also returns to the front row in place of Roseline Botes.
Last weekend’s captain, Lusanda Dumke, remains at flank in a new loose trio with Catha Jacobs (flank) and Sizophila Solontsi (No 8), with the duo swopping places with Sinazo Mcatshulwa and Aseze Hele, who will finish the game.
“It is sad about the injuries, but that is part and parcel of the game – and there is always the opportunity for the next player to come to the fore,” De Bruin said.
Final Training Session of the Season 🤩✨
— SA Women's Rugby (@WomenBoks) October 10, 2024
Make sure to tune in and watch the #BokWomen in action on Saturday in their last game of the #WXV ⏰#MakeItCount#ETTIG pic.twitter.com/CZ8JuES1fe
“We are sticking to our rotation system. Sometimes your better players can’t start because against certain teams, you want to finish very strongly. We borrowed the Bomb Squad idea from the men, and the players have bought in.
“In fact, it is not just the match 23, but the rest of the squad, too.
“They are supportive, they carry the water bottles, and they cheer at the jersey presentations.
“They are the backbone, and they will get their turn because injuries happen. You need the fringe girls to be ready, and they are ready.”
Springbok Women Team
15 Eloise Webb 14 Nomawethu Mabenge 13 Zintle Mpupha 12 Chumisa Qawe 11 Ayanda Malinga 10 Nadine Roos 9 Tayla Kinsey 8 Sizophila Solontsi 7 Catha Jacobs 6 Lusando Dumke 5 Vainah Ubisi 4 Nolusindiso Booi (captain) 3 Babalwa Latsha 2 Lindelwa Gwala 1 Yonela Ngxingolo.
Bench: 16 Micke Gunter 17 Sanelisiwe Charlie 18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki 19 Danelle Lochner 20 Sinazo Mcatshulwa 21 Aseza Hele 22 Unam Tose 23 Byrhandré Dolf.