The Springbok Women know exactly where it went wrong, and they’re adamant they can put it right. Co-head coach Franzel September pinpointed “soft moments” as the culprit behind Saturday’s 40-27 WXV Global Series defeat to Ireland in Cape Town, but insisted her side possess the tools to turn the tables when the nations reconvene at Athlone Stadium next weekend.
Also read: Ireland outlast spirited Bok women in Cape Town
Ireland outscored the gallant South Africans six tries to five in front of a boisterous 3,709-strong crowd, capitalising on unforced errors that robbed the Bok Women of momentum at critical junctures. For September, the frustration stemmed not from being outplayed across the board, but from gifting opportunities away.
“We did a lot of good things but ultimately made some unforced errors which allowed Ireland to capitalise, regroup and turn the momentum around,” September said afterwards. “We had a number of opportunities in their red zone and then spilled it. That is not us. We had two mauls stopped five metres from their line. That is not us. We can fix that though, so that is why I believe we can turn this around next weekend.”
The maul setbacks particularly stung, a facet of the game South Africa pride themselves on. To be repelled twice within striking distance exposed a lack of execution when it mattered most.
September also highlighted defensive lapses that proved costly. “Their one try came from four, five phases and our defence is normally better than that, so that will be a work-on for next week.”
Clinical Ireland punish mistakes
Co-head coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt echoed her colleague’s sentiments, crediting Ireland for being sharper when chances arose whilst acknowledging South Africa’s self-inflicted wounds.
“They outplayed us at times, but we can fix what happened,” Johannes-Haupt said. “We will come back next week more determined to make sure we are clinical. We scored five good tries and could have had more if we were more clinical when on attack. Our defence was also not accurate enough at times.”
The post-match review promises honest conversations, but Johannes-Haupt stressed the coaching staff know precisely what needs addressing. “We will get back to work on Monday and work hard to redeem ourselves for next weekend.”
Letting down the faithful
For vice-captain Unam Tose, the defeat cut deeper than just dropping log points. The passionate support from the stands made the loss all the more painful, as did the responsibility of inspiring the next generation.
“We know who we play for and what we play for,” Tose said. “Today we disappointed a lot of people by not getting a result that we are capable of. We do want to inspire others, especially young girls to take up the game, but then we must make them proud. That is why today’s result was so disappointing.”
The Bok Women aren’t just representing themselves, they’re torchbearers for women’s rugby in South Africa, role models for countless youngsters watching from the stands or at home.
This coming Saturday’s second Test at 15:00 offers immediate redemption. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster, and you can bet Athlone Stadium will be rocking once again as the Bok Women look to level the series and restore pride.
If they can eliminate those soft moments and convert red-zone opportunities, Ireland will face a far sterner examination.
