Black Ferns wary of Springbok passion ahead of World Cup quarterfinal

The Black Ferns are ready for a fired-up Springbok Women’s team in Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final in Exeter, which will be the South Africans’ maiden appearance in the playoffs of the global tournament.

By contrast, the defending champions from New Zealand have won the tournament six times, more than any other country.

Black Ferns assistant coach Steve Jackson said that while the Bok Women are renowned for their physicality, it is the passion of the South Africans that has the Kiwis nervous.

“We know about their power game – they are big, they are physical, and very direct,” Jackson said.

“It’s something to look at, definitely, but I wouldn’t say that we are wary of it right now.

“What we will have to deal with is their passion. Being in their first quarterfinal, they’ll be fired up, especially in those first 20 minutes. It’s about how we can manage that emotion.

“We know what we are in for. We will give them every respect that they deserve,” Jackson said.

The South Africans began the World Cup in 12th spot on the world rankings and have improved to tenth, some way off New Zealand, who are third.

Only the most one-eyed Springbok fan is predicting an upset, but Jackson said the Ferns are taking no chances.

“This is a quarterfinal. There is no tomorrow if you lose.

“We cannot be complacent. We will have to be at our best to come out on top.

“This isn’t pool play anymore – if you win, you move forward; if you lose, you are back on the airplane the next day going home. We understand how big this game is. We are going to leave no stone unturned this week.”