Northampton and York may be oceans apart from Antananarivo, but for the Springbok Women, their arrival in Madagascar's capital on Wednesday is all part of the journey to destination Rugby World Cup in England in August and September.
For the coaching staff, it is all about consistency – not only on the field, but off it as well – in order to do justice to the well-planned structure of their 2025 season, something Springbok Women assistant coach Bafana Nhleko said is very important.
“We are building a spine, so consistency is key to our performance and theme,” Nhleko said soon after the team touched down in Madagascar.
South Africa kick off their campaign against Uganda on Saturday and Nhleko and fellow coach Franzel September arrived on the back of a solid week of preparations by the squad in Johannesburg.
The most experienced of those 28 players is Aphiwe Ngwevu, who has played in 24 tests, including last year's Rugby Africa Women's Cup, where the Springbok Women qualified for the Rugby World Cup as continental champions.
Ngwevu’s role will be instrumental to the consistency the coaches are looking for, and for the Border Ladies player, it is something she is looking forward to.
“This tournament is important to me and to the team,” said Ngwevu.
“I must prove myself in my position and make sure I play my role as a centre, cross the advantage line and provide forward momentum for our attack.”
The Bok Women’s midfielder had to overcome setbacks before and her inclusion into the 2022 Rugby World Cup squad came with huge personal challenges, so she does not mind doing it all over again: “This trip will not be easy, but we will do our best and bring our physical game as always.”
Ngewvu delivered a charging performance in the team’s last test, against Spain in Bonalba, and was named player of the match after impressive work on attack and defence.
She had a 100 per cent completion rate on defence and her 12 ball carries gained 110 metres, with six defenders beaten, but she is looking ahead rather than living in the past: “I can only give my best and leave nothing out there. The rest is not in my control.”
Springbok Women Rugby Africa Women's Cup fixtures (SA times, all matches at Stade Makis, Antananarivo):
7 June: Uganda (12pm)
11 June: Kenya (12pm)
15 June: Madagascar (2pm)