POADCAST: Springbok Women carry nation’s hopes in crucial Rugby World Cup showdown

All eyes will be on the Springbok Women this weekend at the Rugby World Cup in England as they look to conquer Italy in a crucial pool clash in York.

While the Springbok Men will take a backseat this weekend ahead of their clash at Eden Park against the All Blacks, South Africa’s hopes will be pinned on the Bok Women and their opportunity to create a bit of history at the tournament.

They will face the Italians on Sunday afternoon and will be looking to remain unbeaten, which would take them to the cusp of a first-ever quarter-final berth. After dispatching Brazil 66-6 in the opening game, they will have built plenty of confidence for the clash with the Italians.

That victory should also have helped settle the nerves ahead of one of their most important matches.

South Africa identified a few areas for improvement ahead of the second pool game, with the breakdown being the biggest concern for coach Swys de Bruin and his management team. They lost several rucks and conceded nine turnovers, despite dominating possession and territory. Italy will punish them if that happens again.

They must also convert their scoring opportunities when they arise. The Bok Women scored 10 tries against Brazil, but against Italy, there won’t be nearly as many chances, so each one must be taken.

The last time the two sides met was in October 2024 during the WXV 2, where Italy edged a 23-19 victory in Cape Town. However, the Springboks have improved substantially since then, and they’ll be looking to avenge that defeat in front of their home crowd.

On Sunday, it will all come down to execution and how players like captain Nolusindiso Booi, No 8 Aseza Hele, centre Zintle Mpupha, utility back Nadine Roos, and fullback Byrhandré Dolf lead the team from their respective positions.

Italy is there for the taking, and a place in the quarter-finals awaits the Springbok Women.

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