— Cape Town Eddie Myners, assistant coach of the Springbok women’s team, is certain that they will crush France with their scrum in Saturday’s World Cup opening in Auckland (3.15am kickoff).
Only Sanelisiwe Charlie, a prop, is not a regular starter for the South African team for the 2022 season.
Myners, the forwards coach for the Bok women’s team, stated that their set-piece will be a weapon against the powerful French.
Myners stated, “We have a really strong scrum, and if we are rewarded for it, we will have many alternatives and the opportunity to shock France in that aspect of the game.”
“Our lineouts are also a potentially lethal weapon. We can yet improve our mobility on the ground, but I believe that, once erected, our maul will be an effective weapon against France. We will pose some serious questions to them.”
The South Africans have had a successful season of preparation as they have not only played more Tests coming up to a major tournament than ever before, but they have also won five of their six Tests this season.
While this was obviously positive, Myners emphasized the team’s growth as one of their greatest achievements.
“We have accomplished numerous successes along the way, though not always on the scoreboard,” he remarked.
“As things stand, we are at our best-ever place in the World Rugby rankings, and we intend to demonstrate that we can compete with any side we face.
“Knowing that each and every player will give their all for this team and their country fills me with tremendous pride. We shall proudly fly our flag during this World Cup.”
Regarding their overall development, he remarked, “I recalled where we began all those years ago and where we are now, and it fills me with immense joy that I’ve been able to walk this journey with this team.”
“Players were unable to pass the ball to both sides and beyond five meters, a hooker for her province played on the wing. The players were scattered everywhere. It was a difficult time.
“What they did have, though, and what paved the way for this team to take the field at Eden Park, was a readiness to learn and improve, as well as a desire to get better.
“Each time we reunited after that, the progress was evident. Players began taking responsibility for their success, and we began heading in the right direction.
“Now that we are in a position to represent our country with genuine intent, who knows? Perhaps we might pull off the first upset of the World Cup.” This is the realization of a dream.”
Springbok Women: 15 Nadine Roos, 14 Nomawethu Mabenge, 13 Zintle Mpupha, 12 Aphiwe Ngwevu, 11 Simamkele Namba, 10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg, 9 Tayla Kinsey, 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Sinazo Mcatshulwa, Six Sizophila Solontsi, five Rights Mkhari, four Nolusindiso Booi (captain), three Babalwa Latsha, two Lindelwa Gwala, and one Sanelisiwe Charlie.
16 Roseline Botes, 17 Asithandile Ntoyanto, 18 Monica Mazibukwana, and 19 Catha Jacobs are substitutes. 20 Lusanda Dumke, The 21st Unam Tose, 22 Zenay Jordaan, 23 Eloise Webb