Training camps build cohesion, fitness for Springbok Women as crunch Africa Cup looms

Next month’s Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Madagascar is shaping up as a good indication of the depth available in the Springbok Women’s system and offers valuable game-time for some players who have been starved of action.

The coaches have also praised the effort the players put in during the two-week camp that concluded in Stellenbosch on Friday.

“Most of these players finished their season at the end of March, so these camps are important for us to get cohesion in the group, while at the same time making sure there are no issues with their fitness and match readiness,” said assistant coach Franzel September.

The short-term goal is preparing for next month’s tournament. The longer-term focus remains on the World Cup in England in August and September.

There will also be crucial matches against Canada and a Black Ferns XV as part of their final tune-up for the showpiece.

The team had a week’s preparation in Cape Town, before moving to the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport for five days of high-intensity training.

September feels the effort from the players was real.

“I have to give credit to the players, who really responded well to what we asked of them this week,” he said.

“We had 48 players here and 28 of those were named to represent us at the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Madagascar in early June, so they started working together as a squad with myself and coach Bafana Nhleko, while the other 20 were drilled by coach Swys (de Bruin) and coach Laurian (Johannes-Haupt).

“All the coaches are happy with the responses we got from our groups.”

Bulls Daisies lock Anathi Qolo will lead the Springbok Women to Madagascar, where they will defend their title next month against Uganda, Kenya and Madagascar.

The three Tests will all be played at Stade Makis in Antananarivo, on June 7, 11 and 15.

The squad for Africa will get together on May 28 for an assembly camp before flying to Antananarivo.

September feels they were able to lay a good foundation this week for the matches, that are expected to be physical encounters.

Meanwhile, this past Wednesday marked 100 days to go before the Rugby World Cup kicks off.

“The focus remains the Rugby World Cup and before that the four matches against Canada and Black Ferns XV, but before that happens the three matches in Madagascar are the important ones for us.

“I liked what I saw from the new players that came into the squad, and they responded well this week,” September concluded.