The Springbok women’s rugby team embarks on a new journey at the Rugby World Cup, armed with experience and ambition. Head coach Swys de Bruin has expressed confidence in his squad, particularly in their seasoned captain, Nolusindiso Booi, who boasts an impressive 52 caps. De Bruin believes that the leadership and skill of his players can guide them towards the coveted play-offs.
Booi, who also captained the team in the 2022 tournament in New Zealand, stands as an integral figure in the squad, which includes 19 players with previous World Cup experience from a total of 32 athletes. Despite the significant challenges that lie ahead, particularly in a daunting Pool D — dominated by rugby powerhouses like France — De Bruin’s optimism is palpable.
The Springbok women’s campaign kicked off on August 24 with a stunning win against Brazil, followed by a clash with the ever-improving Italy today, and culminates with a highly anticipated showdown against the French on September 7. France enters the tournament as a strong favourite, adding pressure to the South African side as they seek to navigate the pool stage.
Leading alongside Booi is vice-captain Babalwa Latsha, who has taken the reins in 14 Test matches, enhancing the leadership dynamics within the team. Their combined experience, including contributions from fellow seasoned players Tayla Kinsey and others, culminates in a remarkable total of 689 Test caps across the squad.
The team faces adversity with the absence of key player Lusanda Dumke, who will miss the tournament due to health concerns. Nonetheless, the remaining members have demonstrated resilience during their preparation, having squared off against a variety of challenging opponents, including Spain, Canada, and the Black Ferns XV.
“What excites me most are the combinations we will work with,” de Bruin said, underlining their tactical flexibility and depth. “I believe that will push us towards the play-offs as we have so many options for each opponent, and that will boost our abilities.”