Latsha: We are ready for the French challenge

The Springbok Women are determined to show that their strong start at the Women’s Rugby World Cup was no fluke and want to keep their winning momentum going when they face France in their final pool match in Northampton on Sunday.

That was the message from Babalwa Latsha, who will lead the team out at Franklin’s Gardens, who feels their upward curve is due to hard work and doing the right things at training.

“We have prepared well for this one,” she said. “We understand the challenge the French will pose but we are ready to embrace that. It is all about what is happening in the match itself and how we apply ourselves.”

South Africa top Pool D with a full house of 10 log points after beating Brazil and Italy, with France second with nine log points. Both have already qualified for the quarter-finals, to be played in Exeter next weekend.

“We enjoyed the highs of qualifying for the quarter-finals but came back to earth this week to prepare for this important game,” said Latsha.

“We are still going out to win, no matter what. We are not saving ourselves for next weekend. What gives me confidence is the fact that we have been on an upward trajectory in our play for a while now and I know we can still improve even more. We are in a good space and ready to take on whatever challenge come our way.”

Latsha said the support from back home is also motivating the team: “The support has also been awesome – the number of messages of support and good luck has been incredible and inspiring, so a big thumbs up to everyone who became our plus ones.”

For Mary Zulu, who will play in her first match of the Women's Rugby World Cup, it has been a week of smiles after she was named at flyhalf for this crucial Test.

Zulu took a blow to the face last week as the team prepared for the match against Italy and needed stitches but September has been good to her thus far, she said with a huge smile.

"The wound has healed completely and all the swelling is gone, so I am ready to go on Sunday,” said Zulu.

“This is a great opportunity for me and I plan to use this to the best of my ability. To play in a World Cup was just a dream a couple of years back but now this becomes a reality and I cannot wait.”

Springbok Women head coach Swys de Bruin made a number of changes to the side that played Italy, with the result that all of those who did not play in the first two matches, will get a run against France.

“We have prepared well for this match and everyone is keen to go,” said Zulu.

“Those who did not play yet has been waiting for their opportunity and want to make the most of it. Coach Swys said that the selection for the squad to play in the quarter-finals will only be made after the France game, so we have 80 minutes to make our mark and stake a claim for next weekend.”

France v South Africa at Franklin's Gardens, Northampton - Sunday @ 5.45pm

Referee: Clara Munarini (FIR)

Assistant Referees: Lauren Jenner (FIR), Jess Ling (RA)

Television Match Official: Rachel Horton (RA)

Split Screen/FPRO: Leo Colgan (IRFU)

Springbok Women starting XV: 15 Byrhandré Dolf, 14 Jakkie Cilliers, 13 Eloise Webb, 12 Chumisa Qawe, 11 Maceala Samboya; 10 Mary Zulu, 9 Nadine Roos; 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Catha Jacobs, 6 Lerato Makua; 5 Anathi Qolo, 4 Vainah Ubisi; 3 Babalwa Latsha (capt), 2 Micke Gunter, 1 Yonela Ngxingolo. Replacements: 16 Luchell Hanekom, 17 Xoliswa Khuzwayo, 18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 19 Nomsa Mokwai, 20 Faith Tshauke, 21 Sinazo Mcatshulwa, 22 Tayla Kinsey, 23 Aphiwe Ngwevu.