We have something to work with, says Bok Women coach De Bruin ahead of quarter-final against Black Ferns
Women's Rugby World Cup
Nadine Roos of the Springbok Women makes a line-break against France during their final pool game of the Women's Rugby World Cup on Sunday. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
Springbok Women head coach Swys de Bruin is not proud of his team’s 57-10 defeat to France on Sunday, but says there are positives to take into this week’s World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand.
“France played very well and we did not,” said De Bruin.
“The reality is that they are ranked fourth in the world, and that showed. In fact, the top four sides in the world all scored 40 or more points to win their final pool matches this weekend, which highlights the gap between them and the rest at present.
“There are positives, though. We rested nine frontline players, and they will be ready and fresh for New Zealand next week.
"Today also exposed nine players to the harsh realities of what World Cups are all about. One can look at that as an investment in the future.”
The Bok Women's quarter-final is at 3pm on Saturday.
De Bruin was concerned about several areas of his team’s play: “We came up against a very good pack and they dominated us. I did not expect that.
“They were very clinical and scored from every opportunity, while our inability to protect our ball also handed them easy points. The red card we received also did not make things easier, but despite all of that, we have something to work with this week.”
The SA coach said they have massive respect for the Black Ferns, who beat Ireland 40-0 in their final pool match, but having played New Zealand’s next best side in Cape Town last month will help them in preparing for the quarter-final, the first time they will contest the knock-out stages in the tournament.
“Sixteen teams arrived here and eight are on their way home,” said De Bruin. “We still have a chance to make more history, despite being massive underdogs.
"As you saw against France, our girls never gave up and scored the last points of the match. That fighting spirit is something that will always give us a chance.”
The team will travel to Exeter on Monday and have their first training session on Tuesday.