The Springbok Women want to dish up the perfect meal in Cape Town on Saturday, not only to appease the appetite for perfection from the coaching staff, but also to their loyal support base at Athlone Stadium when they take on the Black Ferns XV in their second international friendly.
The visitors won last weekend’s clash by 34-26, but Babalwa Latsha, who will lead the Bok Women out again, said too many chefs spoiled the broth for the home side on that occasion.
“This time we are going to keep it simple and rather focus on doing small things right first – we need to be physical, but we also need to be clever and productive when we have possession,” the most capped prop in the Springbok Women’s game said.
Latsha added that there are many reasons why they want to leave the stadium Saturday night content and happy: “This is indeed our final chance before the World Cup later this month. Up to this point, our coaches have given us all the ingredients to make the perfect dish.
“We know our set piece is working well, and it showed last weekend. We have good commitment when under pressure, and we do play with guts, but something was still amiss.
“We worked hard this week to get the nuances in our game in place, and I think we are ready to deliver that final showing that will leave us all ready for the biggest tournament of our lives.”
The mindset of the Bok Women towards the perfect game and their opponents’ class will lead to another humdinger, Latsha predicted.
“They are really such a skilful team and a joy to watch when you are on the sidelines,” she said.
“I think we proved that we can play a bit as well last weekend, and what a game that was. I suspect we are going to have more of the same again. It will be a match of high intensity, huge physicality and amazing action.
“This is a perfect way to complete our local season, and how special will it be if we have the same energy and crowds in tomorrow. Tickets are only R20, but the value of entertainment will exceed that, guaranteed.”
Match details: Springbok Women v Black Ferns XV
Date: Saturday 2 August
Venue: Athlone Stadium, Cape Town
Kick-off: 17h00
Referee: Aimee Barrett-Theron
Assistant referees: Zoe Naude, Giana Viljoen
TMO: Quinton Immelman
TV: SuperSport Grandstand