The Springbok Women’s Sevens squad are grateful and honoured to be part of the World Rugby Women's Sevens Series for the first-ever women's event in Cape Town this weekend.
“But,” said Imbokodo, as the SA women’s sevens team are known, captain Zintle Mpupha, “we don't just want to be 'present'.
"We are really determined and hoping to compete.
"Yes, it will be great to be part of it all, but we also want to add something to the tournament; we want to showcase what we can do and test ourselves against the best teams in the world.”
MAKE THEIR MARK: Women's Seven's captain Zintle Mpupha. Picture: SA Rugby.
Mpupha said the squad realise the toughness of their Pool A draw. They will face New Zealand on Friday during the opening day and on Saturday will face Russia and Fiji. The New Zealanders are fresh from winning last weekend's tournament in Dubai and are the Rugby World Cup Sevens champions.
“We realise that they will be a massive challenge, but how else would you want to test yourself than against the best teams out there,” said Mpupha.
“The next level will be a steep one, but we want to play there and the sooner we know what that level is, the sooner we can get there.”
BACKING: World Cup-winning champ Siya Kolisi. Picture: Nic Bothma/EPA.
The team had some inspiration from world cup winning Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi.
“Siya told us not to worry about what other people might think or say, but to keep believing in what we want to achieve,” she said.
“He used the example of Faf de Klerk, who was crucified by all for his tactical kicking, but after the final was lauded by many as the best scrumhalf in the world.”
%%%twitter https://twitter.com/zintlempupha?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@zintlempuphaand she ia NOT scared of anything. Ok, maybe a Cheetah. Or two. pic.twitter.com/4vwxxawUmo
— Springbok Sevens (@Blitzboks)
Mpupha said Kolisi's words of wisdom helped a lot.
“This is new to us being at home and we are all terribly excited and nervous. It is good to see how calm some of the players are though and that is encouraging for a captain to see,” she said.
African News Agency