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Springbok Women coach Swys de Bruin has lamented the lack of clarity when it comes to the law, especially at the breakdown.
He was reacting after his team’s 50-20 loss to number two ranked Canada at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday afternoon, as they ramp up preparations for the World Cup in England in less than 50 days.
De Bruin says they even had a former referee at training to help them with the laws, but they were still punished on the day.
"The breakdown was the biggest problem. The interpretation of the law must be sorted out now because we had an experienced referee explain to us what is legal and illegal in the breakdown situation.
"If they are going to blow like they did in this match, and interpret the laws like they did today at the World Cup, then we have to come up with a completely new approach," said a frustrated Swys de Bruin.
He goes on to say that there are some glaring disparities between the law and the application, which is something they have to work on before the second test in Gqeberha next weekend. Canada is just the right tonic for the Boks as they look forward to facing two top 10-ranked teams at the World Cup in the shape of France and Italy, while Brazil complete Pool D at the showpiece event.
De Bruin says the result against a top team like Canada is not all that important, as they just want to test themselves against the best in the world. He believes that the gap is slowly narrowing compared to the last time they played them.
"In a game like this, the score is not too important; it's all about cultivating combinations and steadily improving our ranking. Last time we played them, the score was 66-7, and now it's 50-20, so the gap has definitely closed."
He also expressed his pride in the team’s performance, especially in the second half, while praising the Canadians as a solid team.
