Swys de Bruin, the coach of the South African women’s rugby team, has called on his players to fully embrace the enormity of their upcoming quarter-final clash against New Zealand in the Women’s Rugby World Cup, describing it as the “biggest game of your life.” The match is set to take place at Exeter’s Sandy Park this Saturday, where the Springbok women will seek to cause a significant upset against the reigning champions, the Black Ferns.
The historic rivalry between South Africa and New Zealand has predominantly been spotlighted in the men’s game, with the two countries boasting seven World Cups between them. However, on the women’s side, the All Blacks have lifted the trophy a staggering six times, while the Springboks find themselves on the cusp of their first-ever quarter-final appearance.
In the lead-up to the match, de Bruin reflected on the vast gap in experience, noting that the Springbok women did not qualify for the play-offs in 2017 and struggled during their last tournament in 2022. “Their players’ passing ability and accuracy are amazing,” he acknowledged. “And one can see they have played this game from a young age. That is not the case with us, but that said, we have improved so much, and few teams will beat our heart and guts.”
The team’s journey through Pool D included impressive victories over Brazil and Italy, but their campaign ended with a heavy 57-10 defeat to France, a match de Bruin used strategically to rest key players ahead of the quarter-final.
In a major reshuffle, de Bruin has made ten changes to his starting line-up, with experienced captain Nolusindiso Booi returning after being rested for the clash with France. “We are a team that like to dominate up front and playing two fresh packs – in each half – against the Black Ferns is a tactical decision,” he explained, signalling confidence in his team despite their underdog status.
Meanwhile, New Zealand has welcomed back two pivotal players, Amy du Plessis and Kaipo Olsen-Baker, who both missed earlier matches due to injuries. Their return strengthens the Black Ferns as they gear up after a resounding 40-0 victory over Ireland. Coach Allan Bunting emphasised the importance of the upcoming match, stating, “This match against South Africa means a lot to us, it’s a final; we are also aware of what this game means to South Africa.”
As the Springboks prepare to face one of the most successful teams in rugby history, de Bruin’s rallying cry is clear: “Leave nothing on the field. We will carry you off if you are too tired to walk at the end of it. This is the biggest game of your life; go out and enjoy it.”