The Springbok Women are expecting a fierce physical examination when they face Fiji in their first Test on Fijian soil this weekend, but vice-captain Libbie Janse van Rensburg believes the lessons learnt from last month’s drawn series against the USA have prepared them well for the challenge.
South Africa face the Fijiana XV at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on Saturday in the opening match of a two-Test series, marking another historic chapter for a side continuing their preparations for the 2028 Women’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.
After a demanding two-day journey and the challenge of adjusting to a 10-hour time difference, the Bok Women returned to the training field on Monday, quickly switching their attention to the task at hand.
“The main thing is now the main thing, and that is a Test match to win on Saturday,” Janse van Rensburg said.
“We all know how Fiji play – they are a very physical team, but so are we. They have an unpredictability as well, but they will be right there in our faces, so we need to front up, something we will not shy away from.”
The experienced flyhalf believes the trip represents more than simply another overseas tour, with the series providing valuable exposure against a dangerous opponent in unfamiliar conditions.
“This was by far the longest trip we had for a Test match, but it is all part of the bigger picture,” she said. “It is great to be part of history, but this is a new chapter for us.”
The series also offers an opportunity for several fringe players to impress after a number of established Springboks remained in South Africa as part of individual conditioning programmes.
“It is a great opportunity for those who are coming into the squad to show that they belong,” Janse van Rensburg said. “It is also a good test for our depth, and I honestly believe this will show that we have that in our women’s game back home.”
South Africa head into the series having shown both sides of their game against the higher-ranked USA last month. The Springbok Women bullied the Eagles up front to claim a memorable victory at Ellis Park before the visitors levelled the series in Pretoria, exposing weaknesses at the breakdown that the Bok Women have targeted in training ahead of the Fiji tour.
“We did not play well at the breakdown in the second Test and paid the price – it was as simple as that,” Janse van Rensburg said. “On Saturday, that will be a key area for us if we want to achieve success. We need to be better if we want to win here.”
The Springbok Women will announce their matchday 23 on Wednesday as they look to begin the historic tour with a statement victory before next week’s second Test.
