The Springbok Women hit the ground running in Cardiff on Monday, putting a lengthy journey from South Africa behind them with a productive training session at Cardiff Metropolitan University as preparations intensified for Friday's WXV Global Series opener against Wales.
After departing Cape Town on Saturday and arriving in the Welsh capital on Sunday evening via Dubai, the squad quickly settled into their surroundings despite lingering fatigue from the long-haul flight. Co-coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt praised the focus shown during the session, which incorporated match simulation and tactical clarity.
"It was a good session and although some players were still a bit sore following the long haul flight that included a transit in Dubai, we did some good work today, with clarity the main focus," said Johannes-Haupt. "We brought some match simulation into the session as well and everybody understands their roles."
Windy and wet conditions greeted the visitors, but Johannes-Haupt dismissed any concerns about the weather affecting preparations. "Look, there is nothing you can do about the weather and it is going to be like this for the rest of the week, so the earlier we adapt the better," she said. "We trained in sunshine before we came over, but this is not the end of the world. We have an opportunity to take on a class team like Wales and that us something we will be embracing this week."
The Springbok Women face a formidable challenge at Cardiff Arms Park, having won only two of six matches this year and not beaten Wales since 2010. The sides last met in 2021, and Johannes-Haupt acknowledged the difficulty of the task ahead whilst emphasising the value of competing in the WXV Global Series.
"We wanted to be part of the WXV Global Series for a reason and the main one was the opportunity to play the best teams in the world," said Johannes-Haupt. "That opportunity starts on Friday. It will be tough. Wales is also a forward-dominating team, like us, so it will be an interesting match-up."
The squad departed Cape Town with a late change, as Anacadia Minnaar was unavailable for the tour, resulting in Felicia Jacobs being added to the group.