Springbok Women’s ‘Bomb Squad’ brings energy ahead of Italy clash

The Springbok Women head into their second Rugby World Cup pool match with Italy on Sunday, buoyed by depth on the bench and momentum from their opening win against Brazil.

Centre Zintle Mpupha believes the squad is ready for what she calls their biggest test yet. She highlighted the energy sparked by the full set of replacements in last weekend’s victory.

“It is really great to have a whole bench of energy coming onto the field, it certainly provides the remaining players with a nice boost,” she said, reflecting on the introduction of all eight finishers after 50 minutes against Brazil.

She noted with a smile the reaction the Springbok Women “Bomb Squad” evoked, saying they had tagged onto the concept made popular by the Springboks.

Momentum vs new challenge in York

Despite the strong start, Mpupha said the team’s focus had already shifted.

“We started very well and we are happy that we did, but it will all fall flat on Sunday if we don’t repeat that type of performance,” said the 31-year-old midfielder.

“We did get the momentum needed, but it is also important to put that good win behind us as Italy will be a new challenge, one that we need to do this all over again.”

The clash takes place at the York Community Stadium, with qualification hopes riding on the result.

“This is the biggest game in our lives, if we get past Italy we will be in a strong position to qualify for the play-offs, which was what we came here for,” Mpupha said. “They are a very skilled team with good attacking skills, but so are we. It is going to be a wonderful match to be involved in.”

Italy edged the Springbok Women less than a year ago, but Mpupha said that result can be overturned.

Crowd lift and standout stats

Mpupha credited the atmosphere in Northampton for lifting the team in their opening win.

“We scored some nice tries – we have very balanced runners out wide and well as power runners closer to the pack and they combined nicely. It was great to play that kind of rugby in front of a good crowd at Northampton.

“The crowds have been great in the first round of matches and we cannot wait to go out there and experience more of that here in York.”

She was among the standout performers at Franklin’s Gardens, making 148 metres from 14 carries and completing 10 of her 11 tackles.

Mpupha, South Africa’s leading try-scorer with 20 five-pointers in 27 Tests, downplayed individual milestones.

“We have a new job at hand and this week was all about ourselves and how we prepared to be at our best come Sunday,” she said.

“Knowing that you represent your country, family and supporters is a massive boost and to combine that with clarity on the task at hand and a willingness to leave everything out there, gives me confidence for this very important match.”