The Springbok Women team has the opportunity to climb to ninth place in the world rankings if they defeat Wales by more than 15 points in their opening match of the WXV Global Series in Cardiff, and Italy loses to Japan by a similar margin.
Despite the Springbok Women squad being considered 'damaged,' the team takes to the field at Cardiff Arms Park with a strong desire to rewrite history, break a 16-year drought, and start the WXV Global Series campaign with a convincing victory over Wales.
For captain Babalwe Latsha, returning to the iconic Cardiff arena holds deep personal significance. This experienced tighthead prop first received her international test captaincy match on this ground in 2018, but she has yet to secure a victory over Wales in two attempts on the opponent's home turf.
Nevertheless, Latsha does not believe that historical results are weighing on the team; she believes that the collective pain from recent defeats creates a tense, high-stakes confrontation on Friday evening. 'A damaged team is a dangerous team,' Latsha stated.
She continued that while Wales may not have won in recent matches, the Springbok Women also recently suffered a defeat to the Black Ferns. 'I know how much that hurt us, but now it motivates us, and I think the same mood prevails in Wales. Any team considered 'damaged' feels an increased hunger, and so do we,' Latsha noted.
The #BokWomen team is focused on starting their WXV Global Series campaign strongly in Cardiff. The match promises to be a fierce battle in the middle of the field, as both teams heavily rely on the physical platform in scrums, leading to an uncompromising contest in the scrum and lineout in Wales's wet conditions.
Latsha explained that it will be a clash of similar playing styles. 'We love set-pieces and gain a lot from our scrums and mauls. We are well aware that Wales is strong in this area, so I expect a fierce battle up front. But we will not significantly change our style of play. We will remain true to our DNA.'
To ensure structural superiority in the final quarter, assistant coach Franzel September designated a bench of 6-2 'Bomb Queens,' ready to bring six fresh forwards onto the field, including strong players Asesu Hele and Sinelitu Noxeke, to wear down Wales towards the end of the game.
Beyond the result over 80 minutes, significant World Rugby world ranking points are at stake: a victory by more than 15 points combined with Japan's win over Italy could elevate South Africa to a new global level—ninth place.
Latsha added that they have a special plan to counter Wales' expected game using kicking. 'The energy of the group is palpable. Kicking will be key, and if we are consistent, we will set the tone and leave Cardiff with a win.'
