The Springbok Women returned to training at St. John's College in Johannesburg on Monday with their sights set firmly on Saturday's second Test against the USA Eagles at Loftus Versfeld, following last weekend's victory over the same opponents at Ellis Park.
Assistant coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt says the win has validated the programme's trajectory but the squad is already focused on what comes next. "It is a 'next job' attitude for us," she said. "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."
Johannes-Haupt cited the team's expanding game as a significant marker of growth. "Our skill set has definitely improved, we are still strong in our set piece, and we don't want that to change. However, to be able to add soft skills and game management to that is starting to bear fruit. Our overall shape has changed, we can play in more than one style."
She also pointed to the result as further evidence that last year's Women's World Cup quarter-final run was no aberration. "We can compete with other teams in the top ten, and win — we proved that when we toppled the team ranked eighth in the world."
The move to Loftus is viewed as an advantage. Several squad members are Bulls Daisies players well-acquainted with the venue, and the team has been based in Johannesburg for nearly two weeks, giving them time to acclimatise to altitude ahead of the high-veld Test.
One change is already confirmed: Byrhandré Dolf will not be considered for selection after triggering a mandatory 10-day rest period under player welfare agreements. Dolf, who has featured for both the Springbok Women and the Sevens side this season, will rejoin the squad when they reassemble late next month. Johannes-Haupt said the rest of the squad is fit and available, adding that depth across most positions is driving standards in training.
The team to face the USA on Saturday will be named on Thursday.