Springboks Women attending the 2006 IRB Rugby World Cup in Edmonton, Canada, are coming home on Wednesday morning, having completed their matches on Saturday.
The coach and his charges will be forgiven for being a little downhearted at the end of the tournament, having failed to win a match, and finishing in final 12th place.
Still, coach David Dobela and his team will be able to look back on the championship with international press having consistently said good things about the team, despite the string of losses endured.
About their 68-12 World Cup opener against Australia, Karen Bond wrote: “South Africa though kept plugging away and, despite spending much of the game on the defensive, they did claim a second try through number 8 Mandisa Williams in the 69th minute…”
Tom Burwell wrote of SA after their 74-8 loss to second-placed England: “South Africa … were rewarded for the passion and pride the Women’s RWC newcomers showed when their pack gained some momentum to drive flanker Wendy Khumalo over for their only try.”
With great forsight, inspirational winger Yolanda Meiring commented after the game: “We really make up for our inexperience on the field with our fitness and our skill.
“We may be a junior to some of the other teams’ game at home,” said Meiring, “But we have a very young side who will be a real handful in the future, especially in 2010.”
Meiring was again in the fray against Samoa: “South Africa threatened to score after a string of good runs from each team and a huge burst from wing Yolanda Meiring.”
After the match, coach Dobela was earnest about required progress: “This is our first year we came to the world cup, not knowing how physical the other teams were. We need to improve a lot more the physicality of our players.”
In the final contest against Kazakhstan, Katy Rank wrote: “Refusing to give up, South Africa used their boots with several well-placed kicks and near-tries. Dazzling runs from the backs and good support from both teams made for an exciting half.”
Perhaps the words of Kazakhstan captain Anastassiya Khamova could also have been said by South Africa: “We hoped to be in the top 10, but we are very glad we are among the 12 best teams, to be at this tournament.”
In their debut World Cup, the Bokke will be disappointed having to come home holding the wooden spoon. But the parting words of captain Nomsebenzi Tsotsobe are a testament to the South African determination.
“We learned a lot at this tournament and it was a positive experience,” said Tsotsobe.
“Each team we played against said it was a hard game, so we did our best here. When we go back home, we will just have to step up our game.
“I know for a fact we will be better when we come back again.”
Well done Bokke, your conduct at your first Women’s Rugby World Cup has shown our country in the best light!
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