Springbok national women’s rugby coach, David Dobela, is quietly confident his team can pull off a surprise in their opening game against Australia today, at the 2006 IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup in Edmonton, Canada.
Speaking to gsport overnight, Dobela said South Africa were planning to give Australia a tough run, when the game kicks off just after midnight tonight, South African time.
“We’re wrapping up our training and the women are so excited. Tension is building ahead of the big match, but we’re trying to keep everything under control.
“I read on the Internet that Australia see us as rookies and are looking beyond this opening encounter. We’re hoping to surprise them.”
There was intermittent rain in Edmonton yesterday, and cloudy conditions with no rain are expected today, but Dobela said they had a good game plan, irrespective of the weather.
“The South African tradition is to dominate upfront. We may be making our debut, but we have some really good players, and we think we can win.”
The Springbok coach admitted he’d been looking forward to today for a long time.
“It’s an amazing feeling being part of this team. Everyone is so excited. The whole squad is like a family. It’s a very emotional feeling for me.”
SA Rugby’s Deputy CEO, Mveleli Ncula, has praised the team for getting this far.
“Although the Aussies are experienced campaigners, our girls will give them a good run for their money. They have prepared very well and are geared to launch their first onslaught on this championship in style.”
The IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup is to be played across six match days between 31 August 2006 and 17 September, with the final due to be played at the Commonwealth Stadium.
The Springbok women are ranked 11th out of 12 teams with Samoa the lowest ranked. New Zealand are the top seeds, having won the previous Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2002.
The South African Rugby Union introduced Women’s Rugby back in 2001 on August 9, National Women’s Day and the first ever Springbok Rugby women’s team was selected in May 2004.
Despite their limited experience, the women have fast learned how to absorb pressure against top opposition.
Last April, they won their first ever overseas Test by beating Wales 24-9 in Cardiff.
The team’s most recent wins came in July in a two-test home series against the Netherlands. The Springboks won the first test in Port Elizabeth 43-12 and then cruised to a 35-0 second test victory with five unanswered tries in Durban.
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