Springbok Women aim for sharp finish against Black Ferns before World Cup departure

IN WILLIAM Goldman's 1973 novel, The Princess Bride, there’s a chapter where Spanish swordsman Inigo Montoya has a sword fight against the mysterious man in black. 

Both start off duelling with their left hands, but at one point, Montoya asks his opponent if he knows why he’s smiling during the fencing contest, even though the man in black seems to be the superior swordsman. The man in black says he does not, and it’s then that Inigio reveals that he’s not left-handed at all, and is more skilled with his right hand.

He then switches hands, and the duel takes a turn to his favour as he easily starts to drive the man in black back with confident thrusts and swishes. It’s a universal fact that if you are multi-dimensional in your approach to situations, there is a better chance of success.

And this could be the thinking of the coaching staff of the Springbok Women as they prepare for the second Test against the powerful and skilful Black Ferns XV in Cape Town this Saturday.

That was what Franzel September, one of the team’s assistant coaches, alluded to after the Bok Women were put through their paces at the UCT Rugby Fields on Tuesday, with a strong focus on set pieces at the session.

September was very proud of the way the Bok Women lineouts delivered two well-taken tries, but he said they are looking to vary play in their second consecutive match against their New Zealand opponents at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday.

“It is good to know that our set piece functions well, but we also want to try alternatives,” he said.

“We all know that our pack is a force in the game, but on Saturday, we also want to include our backs in the game plan, especially our wings, who are proven finishers.

The coach was quick to explain that the Bok Women were not going to get overexcited and try to run the ball from all over the field; they were merely diversifying their game plan.

“We are not going away from our traditional strengths, but will rather look to expand our attacking options as well. After the two Canada Tests, the Black Ferns XV showed us good pictures and we are happy with our progress and preparation for the World Cup, but now we need to close this out with a win.”

It’s clear that the South African coaching staff and the team have no intention of sending a one-dimensional group to the World Cup.

“We need to get onto the plane knowing that we have all our ducks in a row and our plans tried and tested,” said September.

However, the bigger picture is that Saturday’s game is not merely about trying something different, experimenting with a new approach, or seeing if this tiny adjustment will work. This time, they are looking for a result, and with good reason.

A positive result will be massively important for the Bok Women when they take on the Black Ferns, as this will be their final match before the Rugby World Cup starts in England next month.

“To be fair, most of those are going really well and the progress in our last three matches is well documented, but what we did not get was a win. And that will be a very important boost for us,” September said.

The boost for the team, and for the fans, will be for them to show that they are a team worth backing. They are not heading to the competition just to make up numbers; they are going to compete, to win, and to give their all.

For the Bok Women players, who will face Brazil, Italy and France in their RWC pool matches, Saturday’s game will also be a final opportunity to showcase their growth, and the showdown in Athlone will be a motivational factor.

“Yes, the players have one more opportunity, at home, to show why they deserve support and encouragement come England next month,” said September. 

“The crowd last week was great, and to have another opportunity to have a go at the Black Ferns and to play in front of true fans is an opportunity we cannot let slip.”

Of course, in conclusion, a word of caution, the Springbok Women should know that after Inigo Montoya gained the upper hand after switching hands, the man in black also confessed that he was right-handed, and made things very difficult for Montoya.

The point should be clear: the big teams, who sit at the top of the world rankings, are there for a reason. They have tricks up their sleeves and weapons in their arsenals, and for the Bok Women to win on Saturday, it will take more than an adaptation of their game plan. It's going to take courage, concentration and determination.

For those in the Cape this weekend, tickets for the match, which is scheduled to kick off at 5pm, can be purchased for R20 per person from Quicket.