'Rugby is in our blood!' Emotional Swys de Bruin hails Springbok Women's players

Springbok Women’s coach Swys de Bruin and Player of the Match Libbie Janse van Rensburg could not hold back the tears of emotion when they described what beating Italy on Sunday night meant to the team.

“We have achieved something special," fly-half Janse van Rensburg said. “It just is amazing. A huge shout-out to the team. We had a job to do, and we came out knowing we had to be direct.

“This is what South Africa is about,” she continued. “People feel us when we are on the field, and we appreciate all the support.

“This is massive. We spoke about changing history in South Africa for women’s rugby, and we have,” Janse van Rensburg continued.“Every single person here is a part of that; every single lady here is part of making history. I think we really made South Africa proud today.”

Janse van Rensburg pointed to the throngs of Springbok supporters in the stands at the York Community Stadium.“You can hear the South African supporters in the stadium. We are also emotional. I am so proud I can be part of it.”

De Bruin said rugby means a huge amount to South Africa.“The nation is so much behind these girls. It is in our blood. We just love it,” the coach said. “We try and copy the men’s team, the Sevens guys, while the Under-20s recently won a tournament, so we thought we must catch up now — and the girls were fantastic.”

De Bruin was asked about the team’s final pool match next week, against France.“Are we playing France?” De Bruin laughed. “I’m joking. But yes, that is a very big game ahead of us. If I think about it now, we won’t make it. Tonight and tomorrow, we will celebrate — and then it will be Operation France.

“I am so emotional. We have never made a quarter-final, and we have never beaten Italy. To score five tries in a game like this… I am so proud of my management.”