The Springbok Women have returned to training at St. John's College in Johannesburg as they build towards Saturday's second Test against the USA Eagles at Loftus Versfeld, following their first-Test victory over the world No. 8 side at Ellis Park.
Assistant coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt says the squad's immediate focus is correcting second-half lapses from the opening win while introducing new tactical elements. "We will be working hard this week to iron out the gremlins that came into our game, especially in the second half, but also fine-tune some new things we want to execute on the weekend," she said.
Johannes-Haupt highlighted the broader significance of the Ellis Park result, framing it as tangible evidence that the programme's growth — which included a quarter-final appearance at last year's Women's World Cup — is substantive rather than circumstantial. "We can compete with other teams in the top ten, and win, and that is a great boost to our programme," she said. "Our overall shape has changed, we can play in more than one style, and we want to showcase that."
The move to Loftus is viewed as an additional advantage. A large portion of the squad are Bulls Daisies players familiar with the venue, and the team's extended stay on the Highveld — now approaching two weeks — means altitude is expected to work in their favour rather than against them.
One player who will not feature in Pretoria is Byrhandré Dolf, who is serving a compulsory 10-day rest period under player welfare agreements. Dolf carried a heavy workload this year, combining Springbok Women duties with the Women's Sevens programme, and will rejoin the squad when it reassembles later next month. Johannes-Haupt confirmed the remainder of the squad is fit and available for selection, with the team to be announced on Thursday.