Bok Women prepare for Rugby World Cup in Stellenbosch

World Rugby celebrated 100 days to go to the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup on Wednesday. South Africa face Brazil in Northampton in their opening match on 24 August. Also in their group are France and Italy. They will be hoping to improve on their 2021 performance, where they lost all three of their pool matches.

The Bok Women are currently in the midst of training camp in Stellenbosch.

"Conditioning is a big aspect," de Bruin told the press.

"At the moment, we talk about game-based training - we want to train like we are going to play. It is new for the girls. We have a strong pack, and the girls must train with high intensity, so they get used to it.

"We have Gavin Wright from the Stormers working on the kickers, so those were the two departments we needed to fix."

"We are a process-driven team. We've got to build the foundation of the house before we start thinking about the roof. So, at the moment we are on the first floor, almost the second, with preparations. There's no fancy stuff yet; it's still the hard work.

"I don't want to get over this so-called wall with 10 ladders. We need one or two, and they're all going to stand. It's very process-driven. It may feel like too much, but with these girls, I've learned that if there is clarity, that leads to confidence. And also adds to communication."

The Bok Women have stern tests prior to heading to the global showpiece, as they face Canada in a two-Test series and a one-off match against Black Ferns XV.

"I asked for the toughest opposition, so we don't get shell-shocked when we arrive at the World Cup," added de Bruin.

"We're playing a New Zealand XV, and their rugby and depth is massively strong. Canada is No.2 in the world, so it's going to be a big task for us, and we have to prepare.

"However, I would rather go to the World Cup knowing what the best can do and having played the best, so when we hit Brazil and Italy, the confidence must be there.

"I have noticed, if the girls are confident, they can play. If they're not and there is a little doubt, that is where the problem starts."