Springbok Women ready for high-intensity US test in historic clash

THE Springbok Women believe a blend of sevens experience, overseas exposure and a more competitive domestic game has prepared them to challenge higher-ranked US when the sides meet in Johannesburg on Saturday, despite South Africa's limited recent Test schedule.

- ROWAN CALLAGHAN

While the Eagles arrive having tested themselves against world heavyweights New Zealand, Canada and Australia in this year’s Pacific Four Series, South Africa have not faced a Top 20 nation since last year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup in England.

Assistant coach Franzel September insists the Bok Women have found other ways to raise their standards ahead of what will be the first Test between the two countries on South African soil.

‐Yes, they played at a high level and we did not, but having said that, we tried to push the intensity at our training sessions in recent weeks to emulate that of what one can expect in Test matches,‐ September said, after yesterday's training session at St John’s College in Johannesburg.