THERE is no shortage of World Cup experience in the Springbok women's side that will open their World Cup campaign against Australia in Paris today.
Coach Lawrence Sephaka announced his squad of 22 to face their nemesis yesterday.
Captain Mandisa Williams leads the squad with no fewer than nine players who were part of the team that took part in the previous tournament in 2010. Five of those players - Williams, loose-forward Lamla Momoti, prop Cebisa Kula and the replacement halfback duo of Fundiswa Plaatjie and Zandile Nojoko - also took part in SA's first World Cup in 2006.
"Our approach for this World Cup is horses for courses, and we believe that this team is the best suited to the way we would like to play against Australia," Sephaka said.
"This match 22 has a good mix of youth and experience, which is ideal."
It might have been four years ago, but the 62-0 defeat to the Australians in England the last time the two teams met in a World Cup will still be at the back of the SA women's minds. And they will want to improve.
"Australia is a quality team with skilful backs and powerful forwards, so we will be tested in all facets of our game," the coach said. "We are particularly wary of their game-breakers in the backline."
Lady Boks packed with experience
THERE is no shortage of World Cup experience in the Springbok women's side that will open their World Cup campaign against Australia in Paris today.
Coach Lawrence Sephaka announced his squad of 22 to face their nemesis yesterday.
Captain Mandisa Williams leads the squad with no fewer than nine players who were part of the team that took part in the previous tournament in 2010. Five of those players - Williams, loose-forward Lamla Momoti, prop Cebisa Kula and the replacement halfback duo of Fundiswa Plaatjie and Zandile Nojoko - also took part in SA's first World Cup in 2006.
"Our approach for this World Cup is horses for courses, and we believe that this team is the best suited to the way we would like to play against Australia," Sephaka said.
"This match 22 has a good mix of youth and experience, which is ideal."
It might have been four years ago, but the 62-0 defeat to the Australians in England the last time the two teams met in a World Cup will still be at the back of the SA women's minds. And they will want to improve.
"Australia is a quality team with skilful backs and powerful forwards, so we will be tested in all facets of our game," the coach said. "We are particularly wary of their game-breakers in the backline."
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