Springbok Women gear up for ‘biggest game of our lives’

SPRINGBOK Women’s _ outside centre Zintle Mpupha has called it “the biggest game of our lives” as South Africa gear up for a potentially historic clash against Italy in their second pool match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in York, England, this afternoon.

- JOHN GOLIATH

Victory over the Italians would not only avenge a narrow defeat suffered last season, but also secure the Springbok Women a first-ever place in the knockout rounds of the global showpiece —a landmark achievement for the team.

Confidence in the Bok camp is sky-high after their emphatic 66-6 demolition of Brazil in the tournament opener. Mpupha was a standout performer in that match, racking up 148 metres from 14 carries and completing 10 of her 11 tackles — a typically all-action display from South Africa’s all-time leading try scorer, with 20 tries from 27 Tests.

But the 30-year-old is under no illusions about the challenge posed by the higher-ranked Italians.

“This is the biggest game in our lives,” Mpupha said. “If we get past Italy, we'll be in a strong position to qualify for the playoffs — which is what we came here for.”

“They are a very skilled team with strong attacking ability, but so are we. It’s going to be a wonderful match to be involved in.”