Springbok Women target record ranking high against Black Ferns at FNB Stadium

The Springbok Women go into Saturday's once-off Test against New Zealand at FNB Stadium with a specific game plan and the carrot of a record-high world ranking result dangling in front of them. A win over the second-ranked Black Ferns would lift South Africa three places to seventh — their highest-ever ranking — with a further place gained if the margin exceeds 15 points.

The match, which kicks off at 13h30 ahead of the Springboks-All Blacks encounter later in the afternoon, is historic in two respects: it is the first Test between the two countries played on South African soil and the Bok Women's first appearance at FNB Stadium.

Captain Babalwa Latsha says the scale of the opposition holds no fear for the squad. "We have a plan and that includes being direct and physical and playing to our strengths, which is a very strong set piece," she said. "They are a very skilful team and will no doubt try to get around us, while the direct route is our preferred option."

Vice-captain Libbie Janse van Rensburg pointed to last September's World Cup quarter-final in Exeter — a 46-17 defeat — as a reference point rather than a scar. The teams were level at 10-10 at half-time before New Zealand pulled away. "We did not maintain that composure in the second half and that allowed them to run away with it. We cannot afford just one half, we need to play equally well in both," she said.

Janse van Rensburg framed the match within the team's broader ambition. Having broken into the top ten over the past two years, the squad's next target is a top-five berth, which requires regular exposure to sides of New Zealand's calibre. She enters the match as the Springbok Women's all-time leading points scorer on 221, comprising 14 tries, 56 conversions, 12 penalties and a drop goal.

Zintle Mpupha, who holds the team's Test try-scoring record with 20 tries in 31 appearances, and Byrhandré Dolf, who is one cap away from 30, are among those with personal milestones in reach. Yonela Ngxingolo is the most-capped player in the match-day 23 with 46 Tests, while Latsha's 43 caps make her the most-capped tighthead prop in Springbok Women history and Lindelwa Gwala the most-capped hooker on 40.

Zoe Naude referees, with Giana Viljoen and Angie Bezuidenhout as assistant referees, Quinton Immelman as TMO and Christie du Preez as bunker official. The match is live on SuperSport.