Key player matchups that could decide battle between Bok Women and Black Ferns

The Springbok Women’s World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand could hinge on key mini-battles around Sandy Park on Saturday (2pm kickoff).

Independent Media Sport highlights key player matchups that could decide whether SA’s fairytale run at the tournament in England continues or ends in Exeter.

Nadine Roos v Arihiana Marino-Tauhina 

In the battle between contrasting No 9s, Roos brings quick service, sharp, sniping runs, and is a reliable tactical kicker. Marino-Tauhina is steady, experienced, and links well with Ruahei Demant at flyhalf. Roos dictates the rhythm for the Springbok forwards. If her delivery is crisp and she keeps the tempo high, South Africa can challenge and disrupt New Zealand’s defensive structure. Marino-Tauhina thrives on providing Demant with time and space, setting the platform for the Black Ferns’ strike runners. If she slows things down and keeps her forwards dominant, New Zealand will dictate play. 

Libbie Janse van Rensburg v Ruahei Demant

While Demant keeps the Black Ferns ticking over – switching between direct runners and wide plays with her passing range and vision – Janse van Rensburg is South Africa’s playmaker and tactical kicker. She also controls territory with her  big boot and keeps South Africa playing in the right areas and on the front foot. A devastating strike-runner with an eye for the half-gap, Janse van Rensburg can also sniff out and finish try-scoring opportunities, often from inside the Springbok half. Whoever imposes their game plan first could tilt the match in their team’s favour.

Nolusindiso Booi v Maiakawanakaulani Roos 

Lineout supremacy and forward leadership are pivotal in knockout rugby, both things experienced skipper Booi offers SA in spades at lock. Roos is the Black Ferns’ enforcer in the engine room, disruptive at the opposition set-piece, and a key ball carrier. Booi anchors the Bok Women’s pack and inspires their physical, combative style. If Roos can spoil South Africa’s lineout ball and generate quick possession for her backs, New Zealand will dominate. If Booi asserts her authority and wins clean set-piece possession, the Springboks’ forwards can launch the direct carries that are a hallmark of their play. 

Babalwa Latsha v Amy Rule 

Loosehead prop Latsha, South Africa’s scrummaging powerhouse, is critical in laying the platform for their forward dominance. When the Bok scrum is firing, few opposition packs can stop them, and are often walked backwards. If Latsha anchors a stable platform, South Africa can slow the game and earn penalties. If tighthead Rule gets the edge, it will be hard for the Boks to generate any rhythm. Latsha is also devastating with ball in hand in broken play and is a juggernaut once she builds up a head of steam close to the line.  

Aseza Hele v Liana Mikaele-Tu’u

No 8 Hele is another wrecking ball for the Springbok Women if given space to run — powerful, fearless, and able to break tackles in the tight loose or wide channels. She also has great hands in the offload for such a big player. Her direct rival Mikaele-Tu’u is also key to creating go-forward ball for the Black Ferns and is lethal off the base of the ruck, linking well with the backs in broken play. If Hele wins the gain-line battle, South Africa can keep New Zealand’s defence honest and bring their physical pack into play. If Mikaele-Tu’u dominates instead, the Boks will spend too much time retreating and scrambling.

Another duel likely to decide the contest is the showdown between the fullbacks. The Bok Women’s Byrhandre Dolf could be set for a torrid time against the raw pace and lethal finishing of Braxton Sorensen-McGee. But the versatile South African utility back has shown great composure under pressure and is also lethal on the counter-attack.