Springbok Women well-prepared for Black Ferns challenge

The Springbok Women are determined to continue with their upward movement into the upper echelons of the women’s game when they take on the Black Ferns of New Zealand in a once-off Test at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday.

That view was voiced by the team leadership after they completed their preparations for this match – a double header with the Springboks and All Blacks playing later in the afternoon – at St John’s College with the traditional captain’s run.

Bok Women captain Babalwa Latsha said they have a clear understanding of the task at hand and are not bothered by the fact that they are taking on the second-ranked team in the women’s game, nor that they were defeated 46-17 by the same side in the quarter-finals of last year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup in England.

“We have a plan and that includes being direct and physical and playing to our strengths, which is a very strong set-piece,” said Latsha.

“They are a very skilful team and will no doubt try to get around us, while the direct route is our preferred option.

“We are also aware of the historical nature of this clash, being the first one between us played in South Africa as well as our first match at FNB Stadium, the biggest stadium in the country.”

Libbie Janse van Rensburg, the team’s vice-captain, said they had good lessons from their previous encounter in Exeter last September.

“We had a plan and it worked for the first half, when we were 10-10,” said Janse van Rensburg.

“We did not maintain that composure in the second half and that allowed them to run away with it. We cannot afford just one half, we need to play equally well in both.”

The move up the world ranking is a motivation, but the growth of the team is as important, she said: “We wanted to break into the top 10 and needed to play against teams in that bracket to get there. We did that.

“Now our next focus is getting into the top five and for that we need to play against teams in the top five. Tomorrow we are doing that. Those things are all part of our growth spurt which over the last two years was impressive.”

According to the World Rugby rankings South Africa will jump three places to a record high of seventh if they can beat New Zealand, with an additional place gained if the margin is by more than 15 points.

Springbok Women starting XV: 15 Byrhandré Dolf, 14 Alichia Arries, 13 Zintle Mpupha, 12 Aphiwe Ngwevu, 11 Ayanda Malinga; 10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg, 9 Unam Tose; 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Catha Jacobs, 6 Sizophila Solontsi; 5 Danelle Lochner, 4 Vainah Ubisi; 3 Babalwa Latsha (capt), 2 Lindelwa Gwala, 1 Sanelisiwe Charlie. Replacements: 16 Anushka Groenewald, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 19 Nomsa Mokwai, 20 Shiniqwa Lamprecht, 21 Logan Welman, 22 Anacadia Minnaar, 23 Maceala Samboya.

Black Ferns starting XV: 15 Braxton Sorensen-McGee, 14 Mererangi Paul, 13 Amy du Plessis, 12 Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt, 11 Ayesha Leti-I’iga; 10 Hannah King, 9 Maia Joseph; 8 Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, 7 Elinor-Plum King, 7 Elinor-Plum King, 6 Mia Anderson; 5 Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, 4 Maiakawanakaulani Roos; 3 Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, 2 Georgia Ponsonby (capt), 1 Chryss Viliko. Replacements: 16 Atlanta Lolohea, 17 Maddison Robinson, 18 Santo Taumata, 19 Laura Bayfield, 20 Amarante Sititi, 21 Tara Turner, 22 Ruahei Demant (55), 23 Justine McGregor.

Springbok Women v New Zealand - Saturday @ FNB Stadium, Johannesburg (1.30pm)

Referee: Zoe Naude

Assistant Referees: Giana Viljoen, Angie Bezuidenhout

Television Match Official: Quinton Immelman

Split Screen/FPRO: Christie du Preez