Springbok women’s Nadine Roos - I want to create clarity in chaos
Springbok women’s fullback Nadine Roos aims to create clarity in chaos and inspire future generations as South Africa prepares for their Rugby World Cup campaign, starting with a crucial match against Brazil on August 24. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
As the Springboks prepare to begin their women’s Rugby World Cup (RWC) campaign next week, fullback Nadine Roos is determined to produce her best for the side.
South Africa kick off their Group D campaign on August 24 against Brazil in Northampton. Their next matches are against Italy in York on August 31 and France in Northampton on September 7.
The match against Brazil could be pivotal for the Bok women, as it will be their only clash as favourites.
Roos told IOL Sport about how she aims to keep calm in the high-intensity moments a RWC would be sure to bring.
Roos’ Strategy for Staying Calm Under Pressure: Reading the Game and Analysing Opponents
“I always try to stay calm in pressure situations. The most important thing for me is to read the game early enough to know what space is important to cover first,” said Roos.
“My off-field work is to ensure that I get to my footage and analyse the opponent to not be surprised when it’s a pressurised moment. Basically, I want to create clarity in chaos.
“It’s the same during the week. I focus on small defensive fundamentals that tune into detail and make sure I build my confidence on and off the field to ensure I’m sharp on match day.”
Roos Aims for Victory and Legacy in Second RWC
The 29-year-old Roos will be playing in her second RWC, and said it was their aim to make it out of their group.
“I’m looking most forward to taking the field and being victorious in at least two of our pool games and hopefully fulfilling our goal to reach a quarter-final.”
Roos also hopes to lay the platform for a new generation of women’s sports stars in SA with her performances.
“I hope that the message for them is to see someone who is still human and busy breaking barriers to build a better future not only for themselves, but for those to come.
“Building a legacy in the jersey that one day someone else gets the opportunity to build the legacy even further, to be someone they can look up to and just by touching their souls with how far I’ve come through strength, resilience, dedication and determination.”