Bok Women could find blueprint for facing Kiwis in recent duels with Black Ferns XV

COULD earlier clashes against the Black Ferns XV hold the blueprint for a potential Springbok Women’s victory over New Zealand in Saturday's Women's Rugby World Cup quarterfinal at Sandy Park in Exeter?

- ROWAN CALLAGHAN

Few expect Swys de Bruin’s team to cause another upset at the tournament in England where they have already accounted for Italy and reached the knockout round for the first time, their 57-10 loss to France notwithstanding.

However, the matches in Cape Town in July and early August against players deemed to be on the fringes of selection for the New Zealand first team may prove instructive, especially the way the Bok Women fought back in the second match after being outplayed in the first.

The DNA of the two New Zealand teams is the same, with both sides relying on pace, power, skill, great finishing and offload ability.

The Black Ferns XV defeated the Springbok Women 34-26 in the first match in Athlone, a hard-fought battle notable for a comeback from the Springbok Women in the second half.