Bok Women routed by France but De Bruin has rested players up his sleeve for New Zealand

Springbok Women’s coach Swys de Bruin was full of praise for the French team that overwhelmed the South Africans 57-10 in the last pool D game at the World Cup, but pointed out that he had rested a host of star players.

“Man, that was the big stage,” De Bruin said.

“That is a Top 3 or Top 4 team in the world we just played. They are a very strong side,” said De Bruin. The Bok Women play New Zealand in next week’s quarter-final. T

“France’s set piece was immaculate,” De Bruin continued. “We have a good set piece, but they taught us a lesson in that department.”

While the Bok Women were outclassed, there was a big roar from the Franklin Gardens crowd when Bok scrumhalf Nadine Roos scored the last points of the day, and South Africa’s only try.

“What I like is that we never stopped fighting, right until the end, and the crowd was behind us,” De Bruin smiled.

“But we are in the quarters, and we knew it. Luckily, nine of our players will have fresh legs for next week,” the coach explained.

“Well done to France, they came with their strongest possible team and they showed that they are a class act.”

De Bruin had told the squad before the match that any jersey was up for grabs for the quarters.

“Yes, that was part of my motivation speech because nine players rested. I laid the challenge to the girls playing to put their hands up for next week.”

“Whatever happens, for us to be in a quarter-final for the first time is still a dream that came true.”