A year on from the World Cup, Swys de Bruin is clear-eyed about where the Bok Women stand — and what's coming. After drawing a two-Test series against the USA and sweeping Fiji with an extended coaching group, the squad now faces an unrelenting stretch of top-10 opposition: the Black Ferns, Wales, Italy, Spain, and a home double-header against Ireland. De Bruin's stated ambition is squad depth on the scale Erasmus has built in the men's programme — being able to field three Test-quality teams — even if he frames it as a long-term target. Two priorities have emerged from the 2023 World Cup review: conditioning (the Black Ferns game was level at half-time before fitness faded) and caps accumulation. With Latsha captaining a group that already boasts experienced campaigners across the front row and loose forwards, the building blocks are there — but this fixture run will test whether the gains are real.
Swys de Bruin eyes depth and conditioning as Bok Women face elite run of fixtures
De Bruin outlines the Bok Women's two main post-World Cup focus areas — conditioning and squad depth — as they prepare for a demanding run of top-10 fixtures. The piece gives a clear read on where the programme is heading and what De Bruin thinks it needs to compete consistently at the top level.
- Springbok Women
- Rassie Erasmus
- Rugby World Cup
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