Springbok Women's forward Lerato Makua looking forward to fronting up to Black Ferns' haka

Facing up to the haka for any rugby player is one of the highlights of their international careers. 

Equally, it is one of the most unnerving and Springbok Women’s forward Lerato Makua is certainly anxious about the prospect fronting up to the traditional pre-match Maori war dance ahead of the clash against the Black Ferns XV at Athlone Stadium on Saturday.

“We've seen it (the haka) on TV and we don't know how it feels when they're doing it,” Makua told the media at UCT on Tuesday. “We know the nerves are going to be there.

“It will be another experience that we've never experienced before. But we're looking forward to it.”

Makua should have nothing to worry about though. The Bulls Daisies utility forward, who hails from Mamelodi East Ext 5, has experienced much worse during a 16-month period she spent on the sidelines due to a long-term knee injury.

The 25-year-old was forced to confront the demons of possibly never playing rugby again - let alone pulling on the green-and-gold Bok jumper. 

“Mentally it was tough for me,” Makua admitted. “Sometimes I thought of giving up but I had people who supported me throughout my injury.

“So, it's good to be back from injury since I had a long-term injury and was out for a year and a half. I'm glad to be here and grateful to be with the team again.”

The enthusiasm to be back representing her country again was certainly visible during the recent two-match series against Canada where Makua threw her wiry frame into the collisions. 

She was equally committed at Boks’ training sessions at UCT’s Green Mile this week as Swys de Bruin put his squad through their paces ahead of the clash against the six-times Women’s Rugby World Cup champions. 

“Our word of the week is to finish,” Makua said. “That’s what the coaches have been speaking about over the last few days. 

“Yes, we have to execute and finish.”