Swys de Bruin was starting to make calculations between time left and the impact of them closing the deficit to seven points and then drawing on the scoreboard against Canada, the Springbok Women’s performance coach said after his side’s defeat at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday, but sadly, two defensive lapses saw the North American side close out the game with two late tries.
Canada eventually won by 33-5, but with 10 minutes left on the clock, the Bok Women were still in the game at 19-5.
“I was looking at the clock and what our next score would mean,” said De Bruin afterwards.
“We then launched two great attacks and came metres from their line, but we lacked the composure to get that vital score and instead, they got this one over the line.”
De Bruin said the growth the team have shown over the last two weeks against the second ranked team in the world was commendable and made him a proud coach.
“I will be the first one to admit that we are far from the finished product, but the improvement was real and we were in this match for a long time,” said De Bruin.
“We only scored once, but had so many other opportunities and that was very pleasing. Those are all fixable errors. We needed these two Test matches to see where we are, and I am very happy with the report card thus far.
“We will regroup in a week and then start focusing on the Black Ferns XV matches and tweak and fine tune as we close our preparation for the World up. We wanted to play the best and I am happy with the outcomes so far. Make no mistake, this Canadian team is very, very good and we took them to the wire today.”
Bok Women captain Nolusindiso Booi said the attitude of her team was a real treat: “We never stopped trying, we never stopped playing. Our coaches prepared us very well for this and we responded as best we could. It was also pleasing to see the crowds come early for our match. Sadly, we could not secure them the win, but we did them proud, that I know.”
Booi, who is in line to be selected for her fourth Rugby World Cup, also complimented Canada: “They were really composed when it mattered and closed out the game in style. One could see why they are ranked where they are. We are not there yet, but I can honestly say that we are on track with our World Cup prep.”
The Springbok Women will assemble in Cape Town next Sunday, 20 July to prepare for the two Black Ferns XV matches, at Athlone Stadium on 26 July and 2 August.
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