Springbok Women aim for winning send-off against Black Ferns XV
Image: BackpagePix
The Springboks Women's sole focus for the past month has all been on preparation for next month's Women's Rugby World Cup.
Match-day squads have been rotated to give everyone a fair run whilst several players have returned from injury, and positional switches have been a regular occurrence.
But with only Saturday's clash against the Black Ferns XV at Athlone Stadium remaining before the Boks leave for England, assistant coach Franzel September has changed the mindset with the emphasis placed on getting the 'W'.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Ad loading
'We need to get onto the plane knowing that we have all our ducks in a row and our plans tried and tested,' said September.
'To be fair, most of those are going really well and the progress in our last three matches is well documented, but what we did not get was a win. And that will be a very important boost for us.'
September and fellow assistant coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt put the Boks through their paces at UCT on Tuesday, reinforcing the need for a solid set piece, while prioritising efficient cleaning out at the breakdown.
The home team were excellent at both scrum time and in the line-outs in last Saturday's first clash, which allowed the famed Bok forwards to get the rolling maul rumbling along, resulting in powerful No Aseza Hele dotting down for two tries.
Attacking the wider channels will be key as the #BokWomen look to finish their #RugbyWorldCup preparation on a high - more here: https://t.co/NXHeaTXTer 🙌#MakeItCount #PlusOne pic.twitter.com/5PCFgTvuYc — SA Women's Rugby (@WomenBoks) July 29, 2025
Johannes-Haupt was adamant that the Boks would continue 'playing to our strengths' in regards to utilising their powerful forward pack, but September would like to see a more varied approach on Saturday.
'It is good to know that our set piece functions well, but we want to also try alternatives,' he said.
'We all know that our pack is a force in the game, but on Saturday we also want to include our backs in the gameplan, especially our wings, who are proven finishers. We are not going away from our traditional strengths, but will rather look to expand our attacking options as well.
Nadine Roos: 'We created so many chances, but sadly our finishing let us down on the day' - more here: https://t.co/plEiSKaKUO 💪#MakeItCount #PlusOne pic.twitter.com/ODn3XLK9xA — SA Women's Rugby (@WomenBoks) July 28, 2025
'After the two Canada Tests, the Black Ferns XV showed us good pictures and we are happy with our progress and preparation for the World Cup, but now we need to close this out with a win.'
'Yes, it's leka to be back at Athlone. The players also enjoy it,' September said.
'So, the players have one more opportunity, at home, to show why they deserve support and encouragement come England next month. The crowd last week was great and to have another opportunity to have a go at the Black Ferns and to play in front of true fans is an opportunity we cannot let slip.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Sundowns sweep aside Richards Bay to set up MTN8 semi-final showdown with Orlando Pirates
Aubrey Modiba of Mamelodi Sundowns drives past Thulani Gumede of Richards Bay during their MTN8 quarter-final clash at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday. Photo: BackpagePix Image: Backpagepix The semi-final draw of the MTN8 dished out what many will no doubt describe as the final before the final, with holders Orlando Pirates set to contest the penultimate stage with Mamelodi Sundowns. Perhaps more importantly, this clash could well set the tone and give an early indication of whether the Brazilians are going to canter to a ninth successive league title or whether the Buccaneers will offer serious resistance — if not halt the yellow and royal blue juggernaut altogether. Pirates — 2-0 winners over Polokwane City on Saturday — will host the first leg of the semifinal in two weeks' time as they seek to win the season-opening tournament a record-extending four times in a row. The other semi-final pits last year's beaten semif-inalists Stellenbosch FC — who overcame AmaZulu 3-2 in extra-time — against Sekhukhune United, with the Cape Winelands team at home first. Ba Bina Noko also won by the same scoreline, albeit within normal time against TS Galaxy. The result of this match was never in doubt, given Sundowns' domination of this fixture — the Brazilians have never lost to the Natal Rich Boys. The only question was by how many goals Miguel Cardoso's men would win, and it became clear early on that the margin would be substantial. Iqraam Rayners helped himself to a brace, opening the scoring with a simple header from a Marcelo Allende corner as early as the 10th minute. It was 2-0 before the break after visiting captain Mpho Mncineka stabbed the ball into his own net while attempting to clear a cross from the right by Teboho Mokoena. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Early in the second half, Rayners made it 3-0 with a sweetly struck low shot that snuck in at the near post past the diving Salim, after a superb run to latch onto another precise through-ball from Allende. Siyabonga Mabena delighted the crowd — and his teammates — when he came off the bench to score the fourth. The youngster showed maturity and poise during a solo run, firing home from the edge of the area to underline his status as a future superstar. The victory was a clear statement from Sundowns that they remain the team to beat this season, despite the impending departure of some key players. The big news prior to kick-off was the absence of stars such as Lucas Ribeiro, Khuliso Mudau and Peter Shalulile, all of whom are set to leave Chloorkop for clubs abroad. Yet, an uninformed observer might not have noticed their absence, as Sundowns dominated possession — as always — and looked threatening whenever they surged forward. Arthur Sales posed a constant threat up front, while Zuko Mdunyelwa was solid at the back. Veteran Themba Zwane returned to the starting eleven and pulled the strings from midfield with typical class. Intriguingly, new signing Fawaaz Basadien made a late cameo, initially slotting in at right-back before shifting into a deep midfield role — a departure from his usual position at left-back, which was occupied by Aubrey Modiba, absent from Sundowns' FIFA Club World Cup squad. It was a show of strength by a Sundowns team eager to end their five-year MTN8 drought, and their clash with champions Pirates is sure to be a thriller — and a likely barometer for the season ahead.
IOL News
4 hours ago
- IOL News
Emphatic win over Black Ferns XV confirms Bok Women on track for World Cup
Springbok Women's performance coach Swys de Bruin feels Saturday's emphatic 41-24 victory over the Black Ferns XV was proof that they have got their combinations and spine right, with the Rugby World Cup in England 18 days away as of Monday. The South African women's rugby team overturned the 34-26 defeat from last weekend, outscoring the victors by seven tries to four in a power-packed performance at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town. 'I think we are now close to where we wanted to be a few weeks out from the Rugby World Cup,' said De Bruin, after the match. 'The team really played well and executed the tweaks we made very well, and that delivered not only a winning result, but also a boost of confidence to the squad and management. We worked hard to get to this point, and I can honestly say this was one of the best performances we had since I joined the squad just over a year ago.' De Bruin said the players took the responsibility to change last weekend's result upon themselves and made a mental switch for this weekend's game.
IOL News
6 hours ago
- IOL News
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou embraces pressure as Orlando Pirates aim for trophies
Patrick Maswanganyi of Orlando Pirates is swamped by teammates after scoring in the quarter-finals of the MTN8 at Orlando Stadium on Saturday. Photo: BackpagePix Image: Backpagepix Orlando Pirates' new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is relishing the pressure that comes with the expectations of challenging for all the trophies up for grabs this season. Ouaddou ushered in a new era at Pirates on Saturday afternoon, following the departure of his predecessor Jose Rivero. And that got off to a flying start as his side beat Polokwane City 2-0 in the MTN8 quarter-final and reached a fourth successive semi-final in the competition. It was a crucial win that saw them take a step closer to winning a record-extending fourth Wafa Wafa crown, following three successive triumphs under Riveiro. Winning cup competitions is expected to be a standard for Ouaddou, after Riveiro's strides, which is why bagging the league is the ultimate target for the Moroccan. The last time Pirates were crowned the kings of local football was during the 2011/12 season under Augusto Palacios, who was serving on an interim basis. Ouaddou is not fazed by the expectations that come with knocking Mamelodi Sundowns, who've won the league for the last eight seasons, off their perch, though. 'It's a positive pressure, I must say,' Ouaddou said. 'When you put your feet in such a big club on the continent, the board doesn't bring you here just to chill. 'I know the expectations of the fans, and board. I'll do my best to reach the target. The players know they've done a good job from three years ago, and we need to keep going.' Orlando Pirates' new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, right. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix The club has also ensured that Ouaddou has enough tools at his disposal to build on the foundation that has been laid by Riveiro, bolstering the squad in the last few weeks. Since the opening of the winter transfer window, Pirates have signed at least 11 players, including talisman Sipho Mbule and Oswin Appollis. Mbule and Appollis started when they beat Polokwane at Orlando, and the latter scored the opening goal and eventually walked away with the Player of the Match award. The arrival of the new players boosts Ouaddou's title aspirations as he believes that they'll fit into his philosophy. 'We have the tools - I think the club gave me the possibilities of getting success,' Ouaddou explained. 'I am very happy, and proud of the quality of players that I have. Of course, every weekend, I have to find the lineup. But it's a good problem for me, I am a happy coach. 'I don't want to go deep into my philosophy because if I have to explain it to you, I think we'll sit for an hour to two, going through it. I like a positional and direct game, and I want my team to be able to play a positional game, but to be direct and strong defensively. I want them to have all the qualities. 'I need some time to explain it (my philosophy) to you, to be honest. My playbook and game model is 90 slides.' Ouaddou has been pleased with how hard the players have been working to ensure that they impress him, which is why he's selecting his matchday squad based on merit. 'We have to give a chance to people that deserve it. I don't want to give chances because I want to please people,' Ouaddou explained. 'When I give you a chance, it's because you've shown me in training (that you deserve it). So, I have seen that you can bring something into the team. 'All the guys that you've seen (today), it's because they showed me something during the pre-season.'
