Springbok Women ready to test their growth against Black Ferns in historic clash

The match forms part of a double-header, with the Springboks and All Blacks meeting later in the afternoon, and the Springbok Women completed their preparations with a captain's run at St John's College on Friday.

Captain Babalwa Latsha said the team is fully aware of the challenge ahead and is not fazed by facing the second-ranked side in the world or by last year's 46-17 quarter-final defeat to New Zealand at the Women's Rugby World Cup.

"We have a plan and that includes being direct and physical and playing to our strengths, which is a very strong set piece," said Latsha.

"They are a very skilful team and will no doubt try to get around us, while the direct route is our preferred option.

"We are also aware of the historical nature of this clash, being the first one between us played in South Africa as well as our first match at FNB Stadium, the biggest stadium in the country."

Libbie Janse van Rensburg, the team's vice-captain, said they had good lessons from their previous encounter in Exeter last September.

"We had a plan and it worked for the first half, when we were 10-10," said Janse van Rensburg.

"We did not maintain that composure in the second half and that allowed them to run away with it. We cannot afford just one half, we need to play equally well in both."

The move up the world ranking is a motivation, but the growth of the team is as important, she said: "We wanted to break into the top 10 and needed to play against teams in that bracket to get there. We did that.

"Now our next focus is getting into the top five and for that we need to play against teams in the top five. Tomorrow we are doing that. Those things are all part of our growth spurt which over the last two years was impressive."

According to the World Rugby rankings South Africa will jump three places to a record high of seventh if they can beat New Zealand, with an additional place gained if the margin is by more than 15 points.

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