Springbok Women head coach Swys de Bruin and his coaching assistants invited a group of 42 players to a weeklong alignment camp in the Western Cape, with the players arriving at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport on Sunday.
Springbok Women’s coach Swys de Bruin could not have asked for a more impressive start to their Women’s Rugby World Cup campaign than the record-breaking 66-6 victory over Brazil in Northampton.
Springbok Women performance coach Swys de Bruin described his team’s departure to the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England as “the wrapped bicycle under the Christmas tree” and said they are well prepared for their most significant tournament in three years.
Experienced campaigners Ayanda Malinga, Danelle Lochner and Lindelwa Gwala will return to the Springbok Women match-23 for Saturday’s second international friendly against the Black Ferns XV as Swys de Bruin again tweaked combinations for their final match before the Rugby World Cup in England next month.
The Springbok Women took another positive step towards the Rugby World Cup in England as they recovered from being outplayed by New Zealand’s Black Ferns XV in the first half of their match at Athlone Stadium on Saturday, to “winning” the second half.
The Springbok Women side to play Canada in Gqeberha on Saturday will have a distinct Eastern Cape flavour after Performance coach Swys de Bruin made several changes to his match-23 for the second Test against the North American side.
The Springbok Women’s commanding victory over Spain in Alicante was a good start to their season and according to a very pleased Swys de Bruin, the performance brought smiles to the faces of his coaching staff.
Long-serving captain Nolusindiso Booi will become the first player to reach 50 Test caps for the Springbok Women when South Africa face Spain at Campo de Rugby Amorós Palao in Elche on Saturday.
Having safely arrived in Alicante, Spain from France on Sunday, the Springbok Women had a very productive first training session and according to Performance Coach Swys de Bruin, “Operation Spain” is now officially underway.
A group of 34 players will assemble in Pretoria on Sunday for the Springbok Women’s second alignment camp of the year, as the national team’s preparations for the Rugby World Cup in England in Augustus picks up pace.