The South African Women’s Sevens rugby team spent the week in Stellenbosch, working on their defensive strategy as they prepare for the next leg of the HSBC SVNS 2 in Montevideo from 21 to 22 March.
Cecile Afrika and his side training during the captain’s run in Stellenbosch. PHOTO: Supplied/Jade Wainwright
Speaking to SMF News after the team’s captain’s run, head coach Cecil Afrika said the squad had focused heavily on defensive strategy and set-piece execution in the build-up to the tournament. “The specific thing we really focused on was our defensive structure and understanding, and more players having more clarity with their role,” Afrika said.
He added that kick-off control would also be an important part of the tournament. “Kick-off receivers are one of the crucial points in rugby. If you can’t retain your ball from kick-offs, then you defend the whole time,” he said.
South Africa will open this leg of the tournament against Spain before facing a competitive field across the two-day tournament in Uruguay, as the team continues its push to climb back onto the global sevens circuit.
Winning the tournament remains the main goal, but Afrika said the team’s focus is firmly on their opening match. “Our goal is to win the tournament, but our focus is [on] Spain because it’s our first game. If we can lay a strong foundation there, everything else can fall into place.”
Afrika has included two potential debutants in the travelling squad, according to a media release from SA Rugby, with Maceala Samboya and Shanidiné Bezuidenhout hoping to make their first appearances for the national side during the South American leg.
The South African side regrouping and discussing aspects of the game that have been working and what needs improvement during the captain’s run. PHOTO: Supplied/Jade Wainwright
Samboya, according to Afrika, brings exciting attacking qualities to the squad. “She’s a very talented young player with great footwork and finishing ability,” he said. He added that because their main concern was defence, these qualities will be a good addition to their side.
The squad trained in Stellenbosch amid hot weather conditions. Afrika believes these conditions, however unfavorable, will help his side prepare for the challenges that come with the international sevens circuit. “Sevens is a summer sport. We can’t run away from the weather, we need to embrace it,” he said.
End of the captain’s run. PHTO: Supplied/Jade Wainwright
Regardless of the squad’s strong and successful finish to the training week, which he was pleased with, he added that performance on match day would ultimately depend on the player’s mental readiness.
“It’s about whether we arrive mentally on the day,” he said.