Proteas women, Boks aim for historic glory in an action packed weekend

ALL eyes will be on the Proteas Women when they launch their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup campaign in India on Friday, while the Springboks stand on the verge of back-to-back Rugby Championship glory. 

The Proteas embark on their World Cup journey in Guwahati (match start 11.30am) against a powerful England side, aiming to match the men’s recent World Test Championship (WTC) triumph.

“The men winning that WTC was awesome,” said captain Laura Wolvaardt on Thursday.

“It's been amazing to see how the country has supported them and how excited everyone was back at home, united behind them in that trophy… Hopefully, we have the chance to do something similar and do something special.”

Wolvaardt’s team is seeking revenge against their arch-rivals after bowing out to England in the semi-finals of the last two World Cups. Confidence is high following successive ODI series victories away against the West Indies and Pakistan, but the Proteas know the scale of the task against Nat Sciver-Brunt’s side, who won 2-1 in South Africa last December.

Wolvaardt will look to lead from the front in partnership with the in-form Tazmin Brits. All-rounder Marizanne Kapp, along with veterans Ayabonga Khaka, Chloe Tryon and Masabata Klaas, will be key to South Africa’s hopes. 

Spin-friendly conditions could also favour current CSA Women’s Player of the Year Nonkululeko Mlaba, although persistent rain may affect play.

Meanwhile, the Boks stand on the brink of creating yet more history. If they beat Argentina in London tomorrow (kick-off 3pm) in the tournament finale, they will win back-to-back Championship titles.

The Championship is nearly 30-years old, and while the Springboks have enjoyed a sprinkling of victories during the competition, no Bok team has won the tournament two years in a row. This year’s Championship has been the tightest since the tournament commenced in 1996, but with one round to go, the Boks are tantalisingly close to defending their title.

The Boks’ ambition was neatly summed up by their most capped player, Eben Etzebeth, earlier this week.

“It will be unbelievable for us,” he said.

Cape Times