The Springbok Women found belief and reward at Ellis Park with their victory over the USA Eagles, but according to Springbok Women assistant coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt, they want to add to their skill set and top ten mindset when they meet the same opponents at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday.
The Bok Women returned to the training field at St. John’s College in Johannesburg on Monday to start their preparations for Saturday’s second Test against the Eagles.
“What we do realise now, is that we can compete with other teams in the top ten, and win, and that is a great boost to our programme, as we see our progress is real and it was proven when we toppled the team ranked eighth in the world,” said Johannes-Haupt.
The SA coach, who looks after scrums and breakdowns, said the fact that they could expand their style of play and be successful was a huge boost, especially as they wanted to show that reaching the quarter-finals at last year’s Women’s World Cup was no fluke, but rather proof of progress.
“Our skill set has definitely improved, we are still strong in our set piece, and we don’t want that to change,” she said.
“However, to be able to add soft skills and game management to that is starting to bear fruit. Our overall shape has changed, we can play in more than one style, and we want to showcase that.”
They are now looking for a repeat performance in Pretoria this weekend, said Johannes-Haupt: “Yes, it is a ‘next job’ attitude for us. We will be working hard this week to iron out the gremlins that came into our game, especially in the second half, but also fine-tune some new things we want to execute on the weekend.”
For Johannes-Haupt, the fact that the second Test will be played at a familiar venue will be an advantage and boost.
“We have played there before and know what to expect, while a lot of our players are from the Bulls Daisies and are very familiar with the stadium,” she said.
“Altitude will be something that could work in our favour too. We have been up here in Johannesburg for almost two weeks now and adjusted and adapted well. The team schedule works well, and we are in a good space.”
Johannes-Haupt also confirmed that Byrhandré Dolf will not be considered for the Pretoria Test, as she is enjoying a compulsory rest period. Dolf, who also played with the Springbok Women’s Sevens this year, will have a 10-day break from rugby as per player welfare agreements and will be back when the squad reassemble late next month.
“Byrhandre has played a lot of rugby and per agreement, she will take a break from the game for a well-deserved rest,” she said. “We have the rest of the squad fit and ready for selection and that is a good position to be in. We have good depth in almost all our positions and that lifts the standards of training and then playing.”
The team to face the USA will be announced on Thursday.
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