Physicality pays off: Springbok Women's shift in tactics delivers

Performance coach Swys de Bruin admitted that a shift in the Springbok Women’s approach after half-time bore fruit as they came close to a come-from-behind win against the Black Ferns XV at Athlone Stadium on Saturday.

South Africa were more direct and physical in the second half, keeping the ball tight and employing crash-ball tactics after being outplayed in the opening 40 minutes.

“We simply did not get going in the first half, but I have to give credit to the team for the way they adapted in the second half, where we created numerous chances,” De Bruin said after the 34–26 defeat to the New Zealanders, who led 20–12 at the break.

“If we did not have one of our tries disallowed at a crucial stage in the second half, who knows what could have happened at the end.”

Powering up

The Bok defence conceded four tries in the first half and only two in the second, with the South Africans gaining momentum through a more confrontational approach and the impact of a strong bench.

“We made a call at half-time to change our approach and play more direct, and that worked for us tonight,” said De Bruin. “It was a night where we needed physicality and the shortest route forward, and we almost managed to turn the result around, something that I am very pleased about. It is all part of the learning curve as we head to the Rugby World Cup next month.

“We had some combinations that worked earlier in the season, like in the match against Spain where we scored several backline tries. But tonight we needed physical ball-carriers, and those combinations were better suited against a very skilful Black Ferns XV.”

Leading from the front

One of those who embraced the change in tactics was captain and No 8 Babalwa Latsha, who scored one of the Bok Women’s four tries.

She said the players were comfortable with a more forward-driven strategy.

“We don’t mind that at all – we are good in close-range rugby where we can use our physicality,” said Latsha.

“But the Black Ferns deserve credit as they showed good skills on a windy afternoon, and they really used their scoring opportunities well. Not so much for us – we created a lot of chances but didn’t take them all, and that will again be a work-on for us this week.”

It remains to be seen whether the Springboks will stick with the direct strategy when the sides meet again at the same venue next weekend – their final official outing before the World Cup.

“We wanted these games to see what we need to do better or where we are doing well, so next weekend will be that final test for the team and the combinations,” said De Bruin. “I am very proud of our effort in that second half and the clarity that gave the coaching staff.”