Micke Gunter says the Springbok Women are targeting a sustained climb up the world rankings in 2026, with the squad's first home Test of the year against the USA at Ellis Park on Saturday serving as the opening benchmark.
Gunter, who made her Test debut at Danie Craven Stadium in 2021 and earned her 16th cap against France at last year's Rugby World Cup, returned to a Stellenbosch camp she describes as operating at high intensity. The 27-year-old hooker spent her first club season with Leicester Tigers Women in the PWR after the World Cup.
"We left the jersey in a very special place after the World Cup, but now we need to take it another step, to level up and take that jersey to an even better place," Gunter said.
The Springbok Women reached the World Cup quarter-finals and broke into the top ten of the world rankings at that tournament. The USA, ranked eighth, arrive with several players carrying match fitness from the PWR. Gunter, who has played alongside and against a number of them in England, expects a fast, running game from the Americans.
"They are good athletes and rugby players and I believe it will be a good match-up," she said.
The match at Ellis Park forms part of a double-header with the Springboks.