Bok Women look to level matters in final test against New Zealand

South Africa succumbed to a 34-26 defeat after a hard fought battle against the Black Ferns at Athlone Stadium on Saturday.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Qawe says they will look to approach the upcoming match with intent to make sure they level matters in the final test.

"We need the win to boost our confidence ahead of the World Cup. So we will be approaching Saturday’s game with focus and intent,"  said Qawe.

"It's important that we build on last weekend’s performance. Our mindset is to stay focused, disciplined and also be consistent with everything we are doing, not stopping our physicality going direct to them."

Despite the defeat, Qawe believes the overall team performance from the first test was encouraging, and the team is starting to become more decisive against their bitter rivals.

"Saturday’s result was definitely encouraging, even though we were hoping for a different outcome, I think the team showed some determination and fighting spirit until the last whistle of the game," she noted.

"I believe we’re moving in the right direction, and starting not to hold back against New Zealand."

READ: Bok Women to learn from mistakes in second Black Ferns XV test

South Africa head into the World Cup after securing the African championship in Madagascar in June, and Qawe says going to England as African champions will remind the team of what is possible to achieve if they remain committed. 

" The World Cup preparations are really going well, the intensity in training has been high, there’s strong sense of focus and unity in the group.

"Certainly, we get a boost from representing Africa as champions at the World Cup. It's a reminder of what we can do if we remain committed, united, and believe in ourselves. 

"The World Cup, however, is a whole new level and requires even more of us. Not only will we participate, but we want to compete, proudly represent Africa, and push ourselves to the limit," she concluded.