The Springbok Women imagine that their preparations are spot on, that their gameplan is strong and that the desire to win is as sturdy because it has ever been, says Springbok Women captain, Nolusindiso Booi.
The South African group are set to move into Saturday’s Rugby World Cup opening match in opposition to France at Eden Park in Auckland with a way of objective and pleasure.
ALSO READ | WAYNE BARNES TO BREAK TEST REFEREE RECORD IN FRANCE V SA CLASH
Booi and her team-mates are eagerly awaiting their return to the most important stage of the sport, following their final look on the Rugby World Cup manner again in 2014.
“It is a massive relief that we can get going again at this level, because this is where we want to play at. We want to compete against the best teams in the biggest competitions and they do not come bigger than this,” mentioned Booi, who shall be competing in her third event, after being a part of the 2010 and 2014 occasions.
ALSO READ | RASSIE ERASMUS RETURNS TO SPRINGBOKS AS WORLD RUGBY BAN ENDS
She shared her ideas after the normal captain’s run on the day earlier than kick-off and mentioned the expertise of visiting Eden Park was one other increase to the group.
“It is a very nice stadium, steeped in history. The playing surface looks great and knowing that the stands will be packed during the opening day of matches is a boost to the team. We want to play in front of big crowds in big stadiums and this will happen tomorrow. That is a special feeling, especially for me reflecting back to the status of women’s rugby in SA when I played in 2010 and even 2014. Women’s rugby is ready to explode onto the world scene and we are part of that,” she mentioned.
France shall be a tricky nut to crack and so they haven’t misplaced in 4 earlier encounters with the Springbok Women.
“Stats will tell you one thing, but I know the heart of this team. We are here to show everyone we can also play this game, that we have the ability to compete. We have a plan against France, as good as they are. We are not running onto the field just for the sake of it.”
ALSO READ | SIYA KOLISI APPEARS ON US TV SHOW ’60 MINUTES’
The Springbok Women made a number of gradual begins in Tests this yr, whereas France have been fast out of the blocks of their matches in 2022, so it might flip ugly rapidly if the SA aspect should not sharp from the beginning.
“It has been a problem yes, but the way we trained, the energy and good spirits in the team, combined with a clear vision of how to approach and execute this game makes me confident that we will make South Africa proud on Saturday,” mentioned Booi.
What you must know forward of the Springbok Women RWC Opener:
- Broadcasting accomplice, SuperSport, introduced this week that every one 26 matches shall be broadcast reside on the SuperSport Rugby channel, with Access package deal viewers additionally capable of benefit from the heroics of the Springbok ladies. All of their matches shall be re-broadcast on SS Variety 4 (Access) later within the day. Saturday’s match, as an illustration, will be seen at 6.20pm.
Selected stats:
- South Africa have received solely three matches out of 15 on the Rugby World Cup – in opposition to Kazakhstan and Wales in 2010 and Wales in 2014.
- Zenay Jordaan will equal Zandile Nojoko’s tally of 34 take a look at caps if she is used off the bench. Her 98 factors can also be probably the most by any participant in assessments, however that could possibly be surpassed by Libbie Janse van Rensburg (96), who scored 86 of these factors in 2022.
- Zintle Mpupha might additionally lengthen her try-scoring report of 16 tries (15 take a look at matches) if she manages to cross the French try-line.
Match particulars:
South Africa v France
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 03h15 (SA time)
Referee: Maggie Cogger-Orr (New Zealand)
TV: SuperSport Variety 4
