EXCLUSIVE | Byrhandre Dolf aims for redemption against Canada in crucial Test

Springbok utiltity-back Byrhandrè Dolf’s career will come full circle on Saturday, should she be selected to face Canada in the crunch Test match at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

The 21-year-old from Uitenhage in Port Elizabeth, who turns 22 on Friday, recalls her chastening debut against the world’s No 2 side the last time the two sides met.

Canada thrashed the Springbok Women 66-7 in that Test in March 0f 2023 in Madrid.

“I played off the bench that game. I think I got seven minutes. We were defending because they were on top of us. I had two tackle attempts and I made one and missed one,” Dolf told Independent Media Sport exclusively, chuckling.

“I didn’t have an opportunity on attack but it was a great one.”

That performance must have been enough to convince the Springbok Women’s management of the potential of the exciting attacker, who has a with great ability to read the game, and who can play anywhere across the backline. She has featured in all but a few Springbok games since then.

“I was really nervous in that game and we knew that Canada are a strong opponent. We went into that game under pressure, even though the pressure was less for me because I was coming off the bench.

"I had an opportunity to see what they’re doing well and then I could try maybe counter that. I was excited despite the nerves. It’s great to experience that feeling.”

With her close-up view of the Canadians, Dolf has some idea what the Springbok Women can expect on her home ground come Saturday (1.30pm kick-off). She feels that their higher ranked rivals thrive when the play becomes more loose and fragmented.

“It’s really tough playing at the highest level and competing with these teams. They are a more loose team. When teams are structured, that’s where we get our strength from, so we know what to do,” Dolf said.

“When the ball is loose and everything is just everywhere, that’s where they get their strength from. I guess if we can try fix that – trying to defend loose balls and know what to do and adapt in the moment – it would be a great step up from the last game we had.”

The Springbok Women’s squad of 26 were put through their paces at training in Pretoria on Monday, and should Dolf make the cut, she will be is keen to assess how her game has progressed sine her debut, and how she’s grown on the field.

“I’d say I’ve grown in terms of playing under pressure, I don’t let pressure make my game go down,” she said.

“I think adapting my game is also something that I’ve grown in since that time. If stuff is not working out, I would be able to try something different.”

Setting he self up to potentially make the squad for the upcoming Rugby World Cup is also part of the planning for the multi-code star who has also excelled at sevens given her game-breaking ability and versatility.

“Since Canada is second in the world, the thing that I’d want to see is if I can last in the game, if my fitness is on their level. How long can I hold out, making the right decisions on the field,” Dolf said.

“We all know what the right thing to do is but sometimes our fitness doesn’t allow us to do. That is what I really would like to see in this match and I think Canada will allow me the opportunity to see that.”

The Springbok Women’s machday 23 will be announced on Thursday.