The Springbok Women will confront a significant step up in competition when they host the USA at Ellis Park on Saturday, their first Test against a top-20 nation since returning from the World Cup in England nine months ago.
While South Africa successfully defended their Rugby Africa Women's Cup in Kenya recently, the Eagles have been tested at the highest level during the Pacific Four Series, facing New Zealand, Canada and Australia. Assistant coach Franzel September acknowledged the disparity but insisted the squad's preparation has been designed to compensate.
"Yes, they played at a high level and we did not, but having said that, we tried to push the intensity at our training sessions in recent weeks to emulate that of what one can expect in test matches," September said after the squad trained at St. Johns College in Houghton on Monday. "It is not quite the same, but we will be ready for them, should they want to engage in a fast and flowing match."
Continuity and cohesion
The Springbok Women have benefited from considerable continuity, with 22 of the 30 players in camp having featured at the World Cup. September noted the squad's familiarity has accelerated their integration, despite players arriving from different environments including the Pick n Pay Women's Super League, overseas clubs and the sevens circuit.
"Most of our players were exposed to the Pick n Pay Women's Super League, some played overseas and a handful just returned from sevens, and something we needed to do, was to get everyone on the same page and intensity and I think it went well this far," September said.
Utility back Byrhandré Dolf, who scored 27 points at the World Cup, has returned from sevens duty with the BlitzBoks Women and is expected to cede kicking responsibilities after limited time around the tee during recent HSBC SVNS tournaments in Hong Kong, Valladolid and Bordeaux. Libbie Janse van Rensburg and Jakkie Cilliers are among the alternatives, with Janse van Rensburg having accumulated 55 conversions, 12 penalties and a drop goal across 30 Tests.
Home advantage
The fixture, which kicks off at 13:30 as the curtain-raiser to the Nations Championship clash between the Springboks and England, offers the women's side a rare opportunity to play in front of a substantial home crowd. Dolf urged supporters to arrive early and provide the backing that could prove decisive against higher-ranked opposition.
"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," Dolf said. "So please come early and support the Springbok Women. We worked hard for this, and it will be fantastic if we can beat the USA in front of our compatriots."
The result will offer a clearer gauge of where the Springbok Women stand after months away from elite competition, and whether training-ground intensity can translate into parity against a side accustomed to facing the world's best.