Springbok Women interim coach Louis Koen stated despite his side’s 66-7 defeat to Canada in Madrid on Saturday, 25 March 2023, the team is more determined than ever to close the gap on the top sides of the world.
A positive mindset from the #BokWomen despite a tough return to Test action in Madrid – more here: https://t.co/rcWa4SQs8k#TogetherMovingForward #RiseUp pic.twitter.com/Zs0OLgQzEZ
— Springbok Women (@WomenBoks) March 25, 2023
The thirteenth-ranked team got a reality check when they lost by ten tries to one, conceding five tries in each half against the fourth-ranked Canadians. Despite the loss, Koen declared that if it was not for the desperate and courageous defence by his squad at times, the score line could have looked much worse.
“We were up against it from the start with the loss of Catha (Jacobs) to a red card and then 15 minutes later, the injury to Danelle Lochner.
“They were our lineout callers and we had to adapt against a very capable Canadian pack. They were also game wise and moved the ball side to side to use their numerical advantage and that worked for them.
“We did defend with real honour for long spells in the match – I can recall at least five times where we kept them away from our line with a very resilient defence and a refusal to lie down and give them the points. I am really proud of that.
“Our players were made to realise what the intensity, pace and intent is from the top sides in the world,” he added.
“The defence was stretched, as we had to scramble and some of the debutants found the going difficult because of that. But we stayed in the fight and finished strong and that was great to see as a coach.”
Springbok Women will next face Spain on 1 April, before returning home from their short tour.
Photo 1 Caption: Springbok Women interim coach Louis Koen praises his side’s desperate and courageous defence, despite a 66-7 loss to Canada in Madrid on Saturday, 25 March 2023. Photo: Springbok Women (Twitter)
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