There is the little matter of last year’s result, but for the Springbok Women, Saturday’s final WXV 2 match against Italy at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town is all about finishing the season well and with their tails up.
According to Catha Jacobs, one of the loose forwards in the squad, their growth has been measurable and for the Bok Women, nothing would be more satisfying than closing out a solid season with victory over Italy in their final Test of the year.
The Springbok Women have beaten Japan and then lost to Australia, both with seven point margins, in their two WXV appearances so far, and Jacobs said they are determined to finish strong.
“The last couple of weeks were good – since we started our camp in Gqeberha some weeks ago, we managed to tick most of the boxes we set ourselves,” said Jacobs.
“We had objectives and planned outcomes for each of those games and it went well. We got a good indication from all the outings that we are progressing well, so it will make it worth it with one more push past Italy on the weekend.”
Jacobs, who plays for the Leicester Tigers Women, knows a number of Italian players, either as team mates or opponents in the English league.
“We have also seen what they have done so far in the tournament and have a good idea to combat their strengths and exploit areas where we feel they are not as strong,” she said.
“They have a skilled team and their backline and decision-makers are very good, while their pack have stood up well, so the challenge will be real.”
Jacobs said they will stick to what worked best so far, but hinted that more variety can be expected from the South Africans on Saturday.
“Look, the power of our pack has been a source of possession and a strong point in our play and it will continue,” she said. “We are also working on other areas of our play and will certainly try new things as we grow as a team. One thing is a guarantee – we are not going into this game to lose.”
The two sides met last year in the same competition, with Italy victorious, and Jacobs remembers the “frustrating” game well: “We really made it tough for ourselves, but not this time around. We are going in there to win and win well. That will finish the year for us on a high and will ensure we enter our next cycle, going into the Rugby World Cup next year, on a positive note.”
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