Springbok Women Claim Confidence Boosting Victory Over Black Ferns XV Ahead of Rugby World Cup

Confidence Soars as Springbok Women Outplay Black Ferns XV Ahead of World Cup

In an electrifying encounter at Athlone Stadium on Saturday night, the Springbok Women delivered a resounding 41-24 victory over New Zealand’s Black Ferns XV, a result that not only flipped the script on last week’s 34-26 loss but also served as a powerful confidence booster ahead of their Rugby World Cup campaign.

A New Mentality on Display

South Africa’s coach, Swys de Bruin, expressed his satisfaction with the performance, noting that this win marked a turning point for the squad as they fine-tuned their preparations. “We’re close to where we want to be just weeks out from the World Cup,” said De Bruin. “It’s been a lot of hard work, and to come away with this performance, especially after last week, means so much.”

The victory wasn’t just about the points on the board—it was about execution, mental strength, and a renewed sense of belief that will undoubtedly fuel the team’s upcoming journey.

A Speech That Sparked Change

A key moment before the match came during the team’s jersey presentation, where captain Babalwa Latsha delivered a powerful speech that resonated deeply with the players. “She said it was time to take the opportunities we create,” explained De Bruin. “And that’s exactly what we saw on the field—a team that grabbed their chances and played with conviction.”

Latsha herself felt the weight of her words materialize into action. “We needed this performance, and now we have the knowledge and belief that we are on the right track,” she said, reflecting on the team’s growth and collective mindset.

The Players’ Perspectives: Personal Triumphs

Several players found personal triumph in the match, none more so than scrumhalf Nadine Roos. Roos had been critical of her own performance the previous week and came into this game with a clear goal: to deliver the best possible game. “I made it a point that no one was getting past me today,” said Roos. “And I’m proud to say that I contributed to the win.”

Veteran flanker Sinazo Mcatshulwa also highlighted the team’s ability to handle physical challenges. “Training is tough every week, but that’s how we maintain our physical edge,” Mcatshulwa remarked. “Going into the ‘dark place’ on match day is just another part of our process.”

The Road to the Rugby World Cup

The win has set a positive tone for the Springbok Women, who are now just weeks away from their opening Rugby World Cup match against Brazil in Northampton. The squad feels a renewed sense of readiness, with their combinations now in place and their spirits lifted. De Bruin confirmed, “We are now 99% sure of what we need to do to have our best performance ever at the World Cup.”

The squad’s preparation also received a boost from a high-profile visit, with South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, making a surprise appearance in the locker room. “To have such high-level support from our leaders is incredible,” said De Bruin. “It means the world to the players.”

With this victory, the Springbok Women have firmly planted a memorable, confidence-filled marker on their path to the 2025 Rugby World Cup, knowing they have the mental and physical foundation to take on the world’s best.

Looking Ahead

The squad for the Rugby World Cup 2025 will be officially announced on Saturday, 9 August, but with this dominant performance, the Springbok Women have already made their statement: they are ready to compete at the highest level. And with their leadership showing true strength both on and off the field, South Africa has every reason to be optimistic about what’s to come.

Source:Sabc Sport 

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