Byrhandré Dolf says a recent stint on the sevens circuit has sharpened her footwork and ability to find space, and she is keen to put those gains on display when the Springbok Women host the USA Eagles at Ellis Park on Saturday at 13:30 SA time — the curtain-raiser to the Nations Championship clash against England.
Dolf, who broke records at last year's Rugby World Cup in England with 27 points — including 12 conversions and a penalty goal — acknowledges that sevens commitments at the HSBC SVNS World Championship events in Hong Kong, Valladolid and Bordeaux have kept her away from the kicking tee long enough that she is unlikely to resume her role as the team's primary place-kicker immediately. She points to Libbie Janse van Rensburg (55 conversions, 12 penalties and a drop goal in 30 Tests) and Jakkie Cilliers (38 conversions and six penalties in 24 Tests) as capable deputies.
"One thing I am most happy about from recently playing sevens again was the habit and ability to create and find space," Dolf said. "I felt my footwork and acceleration benefited from that. Coming back to fifteens now, the space is obviously much less, but I am happy that I added some stepping and elusiveness to my game."
Dolf was among the leading metres-carriers at last year's World Cup, covering 293m from fullback and on the wing. The USA arrive at Ellis Park having faced New Zealand, Canada and Australia during the Pacific Four Series earlier this year, and Dolf has called on supporters to take their seats early.
"We thrive off the crowd. They give us extra energy, and we are going to need that support against a top-ranked team like the USA," she said.