Springbok Women ready to battle

Springbok Women’s captain Libbie Janse van Rensburg expects a fierce battle up front when her side meets the Vodafone Fijiana XV in today’s Test at the National Stadium in Suva.

Rensburg told SUNsports yesterday that both teams pride themselves on their physicality, setting the stage for an intense contest.

“We know the Fijiana team is very physical, as we are, so I think it’s going to be a great collision game,” she said.

“It will test the set-piece dominance and show which team can impose itself. I think it’s going to be a great game.”

She said South Africa’s preparations had gone according to plan and the squad was eager to take the field.

“The build-up this week has been really good. We’ve trained well every day and we’re putting the final touches together during the captain’s run. The girls are excited to get out there. It’s a historic occasion for both teams and we’re looking forward to an exciting clash,” she said.

Despite the excitement, Van Rensburg admitted there would always be nerves before a Test match.

“The mood in camp is relaxed at the moment, but once match day arrives, it’s game time.”

She said the windy conditions in Suva would not be unfamiliar to the South Africans.

“We’ve played in similar conditions back home, especially in Cape Town, so it’s nothing new to us,” she said.

“Conditions like these can make things difficult for hookers and kickers, so we’ll adapt and take the game as it comes.”

The match kicks-off at 2pm.

Feedback: tevita.w@fijisun.com.fj