Proteas Women looking to set the tone against England in first World Cup match

South Africa go into this match with a score to settle against the English, a team that beat them in the semi-finals of the last two editions of the tournament – with Wolvaardt playing in both matches. 

She says they are well prepared for the four-time champions, and are eager to get one over them to set the tone for the rest of the competition.

"Ah very excited to get going, obviously like you said England are a very strong side but we really enjoy playing in World Cups. I think they've beaten us in the semi-finals, the last two editions of this tournament, so I think we'll be really keen to look into get a good start against them,” Wolvaardt said. 

“I think beating a team like that earlier on really sets the tone for the competition. I think we've got a really strong group of players here and I think we've prepared well and yeah, really looking forward to that game."

Following their first match against England, the Proteas Women will face other big teams when they take on New Zealand on Monday, then come across India on Thursday. 

Wolvaardt explained why it’s better to play the favourites as soon as possible.

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"I'm happy with bigger sides early, I think in a tournament like this though I think there's not really such a thing as bigger sides. I think these conditions bring subcontinent teams into the game tremendously,” she added.

“There are some teams that play each other at the same venue like Pakistan and Sri Lanka, so, I think they'll be hard to beat in those home conditions. I don't see any game as an easy game, I don't mind playing bigger name teams early, I think it's sort of, if you can get a win or two, I think that sort of sets you out for the tournament."