By Kevin Rademeyer.
The anticipation is almost over. The Springbok Women have arrived in England for the Women’s Rugby World Cup, brimming with belief and carrying the hopes of a rugby-mad nation.
On Sunday they open their campaign against Brazil at Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton, a fixture that promises both a test of nerve and a chance to announce South Africa’s intent on the global stage.
For utility back Nadine Roos, the contest will feel like unfinished business. She and several of her teammates, including Ayanda Malinga, Eloise Webb, Zintle Mpupha and Sizophila Solontsi, have already battled Brazil on the sevens circuit, with the South Americans edging three of their four clashes in last year’s HSBC SVNS series. Despite those setbacks, Roos often lit up the field with her pace and finishing ability. This time, she is determined the story will be different.
“Those matches were decided by fine margins, often just a single score,” Roos said from the team’s training base in Kettering. “It was only once that we were really outplayed. I believe we can turn the tables this time. Whether it’s sevens or fifteens, the principle remains the same: when you wear the green and gold, you play to win – especially at a World Cup.”
Roos, now settling into a scrumhalf role, knows her influence must extend beyond individual brilliance. “They’ve got real pace out wide and if we allow them space, they’ll punish us. We need to be physical, close them down and make sure they don’t get into rhythm,” she said. Still, she admits she would relish the chance to cross the line herself. “I scored some good tries against them in sevens, and it would be special to do it again in fifteens. But this will take a team effort – everyone has a role to play.”
Head coach Swys de Bruin is equally energised. Speaking before the squad departed Johannesburg, he likened the build-up to the excitement of a child on Christmas Eve. “I woke up at 3am going over moves and selections. These girls are so coachable, they soak up information like a sponge,” he said. “The support back home has been overwhelming, but now we must focus on the job at hand – scoring tries and winning games.”
De Bruin, who previously worked alongside Rassie Erasmus with the men’s Springboks, has kept his squad grounded with a simple message: take it one game at a time. “We’ve got to focus completely on Brazil. We can’t get ahead of ourselves. If we can reach the knockout stages, anything is possible. That’s the aim.”
Captain Babalwa Latsha, who made history in 2020 as the first African woman to play rugby professionally, believes the tournament represents a pivotal moment for the sport. “To be part of this phenomenal squad, at what will probably be the best World Cup in women’s rugby history, is a massive honour,” she said. “It’s a turning point for women’s rugby as a whole. We draw inspiration from the men’s Springboks, but our journey is unique. This is about showing the world what South African women’s rugby can become.”
The Springbok Women will fine-tune preparations with a joint training session against Japan on Wednesday before the match-day squad for Sunday’s opener is confirmed on Friday. With all 32 players available, competition for places remains fierce.
For Roos, her teammates and their coaches, the excitement is real. A World Cup debut against Brazil awaits, and with it, the chance to set the tone for a campaign built on resilience, ambition and belief.