Springbok Women High Performance coach Swys de Bruin described his team’s departure to the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England on Thursday as “the wrapped bicycle under the Christmas tree” and said they are well prepared for their most significant tournament in three years.
De Bruin was a happy coach after the team completed their final training session in Johannesburg before jetting off to London, from where they will move to their training base in Northampton on Friday.
“We trained with a lot of intensity today, which was great for the coaches to see. It was a busy couple of days for the players with a team capping and send-off function, but that did not affect their mindsets at all and they were really sharp at training,” said De Bruin.
De Bruin thanked the various sponsors and stakeholders for their treatment of the team on their way to England and said there is a real belief in the group that their journey could become a very significant one to change the face of the women’s game in the country.
“It was really pleasing to see how much effort was put into the team and the goodwill that was shown, from the executive council down to those wonderful people marketing the team, not to forget the way the team sponsors treated the players,” he said.
“There is a reality about this team and this World Cup as we look to go further than ever before and get into the play-offs.”
De Bruin said they will not be carried away by that the focus on Brazil, their first opponent in Pool D, is well under way: “We had a good look at them already and our plans to deliver a good performance in our opener is taking shape. The team was given some homework on the opponents and their feedback was great. The session today filled me with enthusiasm.”
For De Bruin there is a second tier of motivation as they depart: “The players understand what is at stake and that they are representing not only their country, but also those next generations in the women’s game.
“We know a good performance will not only elevate the game in the minds and hearts of South Africans, but also justify the investment and time from SA Rugby’s side. We are determined to make the country proud.”