An inspired South Africa Springbok Women’s team is set to make history on Saturday as they run out at DHL Stadium in Cape Town for the first time, aiming to deliver an impressive performance against the Barbarians.
With captain Nolusindiso Booi leading the charge, the Springbok Women are eager to seize this moment and lay the foundation for a bright future as they prepare for the upcoming WXV 2 campaign and next year’s Rugby World Cup.
Booi, an experienced lock with 45 Test caps since her debut in 2010, believes this is the perfect opportunity for the team to showcase their growth and ambitions.
“It is great to play at this venue, especially as the Boks will follow a couple of hours later against the All Blacks,” Booi said.
“Sharing the same field with the double World Cup champions is massive for our team, as we are doing our best to build an identity and brand as a team the country can be proud of.”
Saturday’s clash is not just about the occasion but also about testing systems and processes against a star-studded Barbarians team.
The Springbok Women are determined to prove they belong among the elite. Reflecting on their previous encounters with the Barbarians, Booi noted the improvements her team has made since their 2021 meeting at Twickenham, where they faced a tough challenge but were far more competitive in the 2022 rematch. “I think we can reverse the result this time around,” she said confidently.
Adding to the excitement, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi visited the women’s squad on Thursday, offering his support and inspiring the team ahead of their big game. “Siya has always been a vocal advocate of our game and his support is massive,” Booi said. “We hope that it will convince more people to watch us play as well, starting tomorrow.”
The match against the Barbarians, featuring some of the biggest names in women’s rugby, will be a stern test, but Booi is confident that her team is ready. “We are improving all the time. Many players are exposed to rugby so much earlier in their lives now, and we are building towards a good brand of rugby. We will always be physical with good set pieces, but our speed and kicking abilities are also getting better by the day.”
Booi emphasized that the Springbok Women are not expecting any favors from their opponents, but are eager to embrace the challenge. “We know our strengths and will try to play according to those. The Baabaas have their style, and that is not the same as ours, so whoever can dominate tomorrow will be able to control the scoreline.”
As the Springbok Women continue their journey towards establishing themselves on the global stage, Saturday’s match will serve as an important stepping stone. With a home crowd and the support of their male counterparts behind them, Booi and her team are ready to take a significant leap forward. “We are really keen and I believe we are ready to take a huge step forward on Saturday.”
