THE Springboks Women have quickly overcome the fatigue of a long journey to Fiji and are eager to make history in their first Test match on Fijian soil against the Vodafone Fijiana XV at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva this Saturday.
Vice-captain Libbie Janse van Rensburg said the squad had recovered well and was now fully focused on the challenge ahead.
“We’ve had quite a long journey to get here, but the team has settled in well,” she said.
“We’ve had a couple of days to recuperate, get our energy back up and hit the ground running with our first training session. The morale is really good, the energy is looking good, and we’re really excited for the game on Saturday.”
While South Africa suffered a defeat to Fiji at the 2002 Women’s Rugby World Cup, Janse van Rensburg said that result no longer played a part in the team’s mindset.
“So many years have passed and women’s rugby has grown tremendously since then.
“Some players were part of that era, but many of our squad are new.
“We’ve also gone through another World Cup cycle since then, so we’re not dwelling on the past.
“We’re focused on building on the success we’ve had in recent years.”
She expects Fiji to provide a stern test.
“We know Fiji always brings physicality. They like to play fast and with a lot of freedom.
“It will be interesting to see how our physicality matches up against theirs.
“We’re also known for being a dominant team, so I think it’s going to be a fantastic game and a great showcase for everyone coming to watch.”
She also acknowledged the influence of the world champion Springbok men’s team, saying their achievements have inspired the women’s program.
“A lot of our ladies look up to what the men’s team has achieved over the past few years.
“They’ve had their challenges as well, but the success they’ve enjoyed has been incredibly inspirational for us.”
Janse van Rensburg said the support from senior Springboks, including captain Siya Kolisi, had given the women’s team extra motivation.
“To know the men are backing us and to have people like Siya Kolisi come to our training and support the women’s game is incredible”, she said.
The first Test match between the Springbok Women and the Vodafone Fijiana XV will kick off at 2.05pm this Saturday at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
