Eloise Webb ready to learn with Nadine Roos as new Springbok Women halfback pairing takes shape

Springbok Women’s utility back Eloise Webb may have been flung into the deep end at flyhalf against the World No 2-ranked Canada, but she is relishing the chance to build on a potential new halfback partnership with Nadine Roos against the Black Ferns at Athlone Stadium on Saturday.

The duo have travelled an extensive road together, playing for Bok 7s team before transitioning to the 15-player code, with their speed, side-stepping and agility being valuable assets. 

Webb has traditionally run out in the No 13 jumper, playing outside centre both for the Boks and her provincial team, the Border Bulldogs. Equally, Roos has been the last line of defence at fullback for the majority of her Bok career. 

Bok coach Swys de Bruin has, however, realised that arguably the team’s most attacking threats cannot be that far from the ball and moved both closer to the action by slotting Roos in at scrumhalf and Webb at No 10.

Although it was a baptism of fire against the Canadians, Webb is keen to develop the partnership further against the New Zealanders on Saturday. 

“Flyhalf is a new position for me. I play 13 for the Border Bulldogs. I think I played one game (at No 10) for them. It’s a fairly new position, didn’t quite go as planned, so I still need to learn a lot in that position, especially about keeping calm,” Webb told reporters at the Bok training at UCT yesterday. 

“But I am very excited for it. We’re both excited for the new challenge. We actually played together at 7s. Our combinations are quite good.”

The 29-year-old is certainly a quick learner and has already taken valuable lessons from the Canadian clash.

“I think if I can play flyhalf against the No 2 in the world, then it should become easier. I was very humbled in that position. I learned a lot,” she said.

“I put myself under pressure by standing too flat. Just knowing when to be a little deeper, because they had a rush defence, which put us under a bit of pressure.

“If I was deeper, then the rest of the team would have more time on the ball. It's a small thing that can make a huge difference.”

De Bruin was hugely complimentary of the pairing’s performance at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium as he continues to work on his combinations ahead of the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup in England. 

The 65-year-old has also long been a coach that empowers his players with the confidence to make their own decisions out on the park - even if it leads to the odd mistake - and Webb believes it's this environment that has allowed the team to grow.

“It is always great to have a coach that allows you to play what you see,” she said.

“We have structure, but within that structure you must see what options are open. It’s great that we are allowed to play heads up rugby, either at centre or flyhalf.”