Springbok Women head coach Swys de Bruin and team captain Nolusindiso Booi were delighted with their first win over Italy in York on Sunday, with the pool victory also ensuring that South Africa progress to the Women’s Rugby World Cup play-offs for the first time in history.
Furthermore, the 29-24 victory – their first in four attempts against the Italians – means South Africa will also move into the top ten on the World Rugby rankings for the first time.
De Bruin said his team’s refusal to back down when Italy came with a determined fight back to twice draw level in the game, as well as the tactical acumen of his coaching staff were highlights in this exceptional win.
“I am so proud of everyone, this was really a team effort, not only from all here in England, but also our support structures back home, and this performance justifies the belief SA Rugby had in us,” said De Bruin, addin that Italy showed their Six Nations experience to come back from being 17-5 down, but his team wanted the victory more.
“We had a plan on how to beat Italy and credit to my coaches, as it worked to a tee. Our first phase helped us to score some tries, while we also outplayed them in the backs with some delightful tries.
“We improved on every positive statistic out there and we are only two rounds into this tournament. It is such a relief and one can only thank God that it worked as planned.”
Booi said the victory cemented the team’s improvement and self-belief.
“The performance was magic, we never stopped fighting, knowing what was at stake,” she said.
“This win was for all who came before us, those who paved the way. Look at where we started and look where we are now – in the top ten of the world game. This is just so rewarding for everyone, especially the coaches who prepared us for this moment.”
Booi – who is playing in her fouth RWC tournament – saidthe victory was equally special on a personal level: “I will not play rugby again at this level after this tournament and to now have won two pool games in a row and qualify for the quarterfinals is just such a humble feeling of gratitude. We worked so hard for this and now we finally reap some rewards.”
Booi said the feeling that they could break into the top ten of the world was driving the team.
“We knew why we were playing,” she said. “The support today out here in York was massive and certainly pushed us to stay on the top of our game. There were just too many people that would have been disappointed if we did not make history today.”
The team will return to Northampton – where they beat Brazil in their pool opener last weekend – on Monday to start their preparations for their group phase game against France, the other unbeaten team in the pool.