Springbok Women Showcase Strength in Victory Over Fiji

The Springbok Women celebrated a significant victory over Fijiana XV on Saturday at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, as they demonstrated their strengths in the first of two Test matches, with the next match scheduled for next Saturday in Lautoka. Both Bok Women assistant coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt and captain Libbie Janse van Rensburg expressed their excitement following the team’s impressive 55-12 win and praised their collective effort.

Johannes-Haupt highlighted the diversity of the team’s tries and the successful integration of players returning from the HSBC SVNS circuit. Among those players was Shiniqwa Lamprecht, who earned her first Test cap, becoming cap #194 for the Bok Women. “We did not rely on only one component of our game; we had weapons all around, which is pleasing as it indicates a good team effort,” said Johannes-Haupt. “The integration of our sevens ladies impressed me, and they performed well today.

“What stood out was the freedom they played with on the field. We had the set-piece as a source, but after that, the girls played what was in front of them, which is exactly what we want them to do.” She noted that the coaches’ box was a positive environment on Saturday: “Another gratifying aspect for us as coaches was that the strategies we implemented for this game proved effective. Now, we prepare for next week’s match in Lautoka.”

Janse van Rensburg celebrated two milestones on Saturday, extending her national Test points record to 221 (14 tries, 56 conversions, 12 penalty goals, 1 drop goal), and becoming the 12th captain of the Springbok Women since their first Test in 2004. “We are pleased with our performance in this first Test match and executed our core strengths effectively,” she mentioned. “Our scrums, lineouts, and mauls functioned well and laid the foundation for the victory.

“Our breakdowns did not always yield the quick ball we desired, but it improved in the second half, reflected in the final score.” She acknowledged that there are areas to work on before facing Fiji again the following weekend: “We focused on the breakdown leading into this match, and that emphasis will continue as we strive for smoother execution. We can be more direct in our backline as well; while we spread the ball wide today, we also have the option for a more direct style, which fits well with our strategy.”

The Springbok Women will depart for Nandi on Sunday morning, where they will be based for the upcoming week in preparation for the second Test.