Jakkie Cilliers loves kicking for poles, and added pressure – like lining up a potential match-winning kick – does not change her approach, and she admitted that some sage advice by a former Springbok flyhalf helped her adjust to this new role entrusted to her.
A win on Test debut is one thing, and it’s something else to help seal the victory in the last play of the game, but the four Springbok Women debutants in Saturday’s victory over Spain in Villadolid would not change their dramatic entry into international rugby for anything.
Springbok Women head coach Louis Koen congratulated his team on their narrow 15-13 win over Spain in their season-opener in Valladolid on Saturday and added that the Test would be remembered for the way in which the South Africans ground out the victory, rather than the spectacular play by the visitors.
Springbok Women’s coach Louis Koen has included four uncapped players – two in the starting pack and two on the bench – when they play Spain in a one-off Test at Pepe Rojo Stadium in Valladolid on Saturday to start their 2024 international season.
There is a golden thread between Spain and the rugby career of Springbok Women midfielder Piwokuhle Nyanda.
Springbok Women stalwart Lindelwa Gwala is confident that her exposure to the world's leading players competing in the Allianz Premiership not only improved her as a player and person, but will also boost her ability to keep contributing to the squad as they prepare for Saturday's Test against Spain in Valladolid.
Six years ago, a bright-eyed Aphiwe Ngwevu travelled to England with the Springbok Women in what was the potential beginning of a long international career for the then 20-year-old.
There were smiles for miles in the Springbok Women camp in Edinburgh on Sunday evening when their four England-based professionals joined the squad, thus completing the 32 player tally for the important European tour.
Seven uncapped players have been included in the Springbok Women's squad of 32 players for a three-week tour of the United Kingdom and Spain Europe later this month, which was announced by head coach Louis Koen.
Springbok Women lock Danelle Lochner will join a growing number of her national team mates to ply their trade overseas after signing with Harlequins Women, who compete in the Rugby Football Union's elite competition for women, the Allianz Premiership.