The Springbok Women ended the Rugby World Cup pool phase with a heavy defeat to France, and they will know that a vastly-improved performance will be required to be competitive against New Zealand in their knockout clash this Saturday.
That quarter-final for the Springbok Women against the defending champions, New Zealand, will kick off in Exeter at 14:00 (SA time) on Saturday.
Interestingly, it completes a double header on Saturday as the Springbok men will be in action against New Zealand as well, with that game getting underway at 09:05 (SA time).
Springbok Women will hope to kick off wild celebrations in South Africa
Coach Swys de Bruin said they have massive respect for the Black Ferns, who beat Ireland 40-0 in their final pool match, but having played New Zealand’s next best side in Cape Town last month will help them in preparing for the quarter-final, the first time they will contest the knock-out stages in the tournament.
“Sixteen teams arrived here and eight are on their way home,” said De Bruin.
“We still have a chance to make more history, despite being massive underdogs. As you saw against France, our girls never gave up and scored the last points of the match. That fighting spirit is something that will always give us a chance.”
The team will travel to Exeter on Monday and have their first training session on Tuesday.
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