Springbok Women locked and loaded for Canada

Springbok Women captain Nolusindiso Booi said her team will enter Loftus Versfeld with excitement and determination when they face Canada at 13h30 on Saturday, in the first test between the two countries on South African soil.

The visitors are ranked No 2 in the world and the hosts 12th, something Booi said will make them even more determined to deliver a good performance, their first at home in 2025.

“We certainly are well aware of how good Canada have been playing in recent months, in fact, over the last couple of years,” said Booi on Friday.

“They are skilful and a hard team to stop once they get into their stride. So, we know it is going to be a tough challenge, but we want nothing else than that.

“We are getting battle ready for the Rugby World Cup, which is 49 days away, and playing Canada is the right thing at this moment, as they will test us like we have not been tested in a long time.

“We have been working really hard, with many camps and the tour to Europe a couple of months back, so we come well prepared into this match. We have our own plans, and I believe our strengths will help us in the challenge to beat Canada.

“The fact that we are also playing at home for the first time this year and will share the field with the Springboks as well, is another boost.”

Booi, already the most capped women’s player in the history of Springbok rugby, will also captain the side for the 22nd time, moving past Mandisa Williams, who captained South Africa in 21 tests between 2009 and 2014.

“We have to honour those who came before us and laid the pathway for us to where we are today and we are mindful that we are now also laying a foundation for the next generation, so it is very important to showcase our talent and play to the best of our ability,” Booi said.

Springbok Women assistant coach Franzel September said they are ready for whatever Canada will throw at them.

“We are well prepared, and we have clear objectives for this match,” he said.

“Canada is very skilful and can keep the ball for many phases, but our focus will be to implement the things we are working on. Our pack is powerful and we would like to think we can deliver a physical challenge to them.”

September said the match forms part of their Rugby World Cup planning and as such, he will be hoping for positive outcomes in specific areas: “As a forwards coach, you know that the foundation must be laid upfront, so that is something I would like to see happening in this match, with us standing our ground in the set piece and create opportunities for the backline.”

September said the occasion demands a solid performance: “We do not often have the opportunity to play in a stadium like this and share a field with the Springboks, so we need to embrace that opportunity.

“We hope the crowds will come early and watch us play as well, as we will be proudly representing them and of course the Springbok jersey.”

HEAD TO HEAD:

13/8/2009: SA lost 17-35, Ontario

2/8/2011: SA lost 17-52, Ontario

7/8/2013: SA lost 17-53, Greely, Colorado

25/3/2023: SA lost 7-66, Madrid

Springbok Women record at Loftus Versfeld

5/6/2004: South Africa 15, Wales 16

SELECTED STATS:

Nolusindiso Booi (50 caps) will extend her record number of appearances for the team and as a lock.

Tayla Kinsey (39 caps) will extend her record number of appearances as a scrumhalf.

Sinazo Mcatshulwa (36 caps) will extend her record number of appearances as a loose forward.