Cilliers' boot could be key to Bok Women’s chances of success against Canada

SPRINGBOK Women’s goal-kicking ace Jakkie Cilliers’ recent uptick in form could be crucial to the team’s chances against Canada, and in the tight matches at the World Cup.

- ROWAN CALLAGHAN

The 24-year-old wing, who sometimes plays at outside centre, is the first-choice goal kicker for the Boks and the Bulls Daisies.

The Springbok Men’s team has demonstrated the value of an accurate goal kicker on the biggest stage of all, especially when matches are decided by one or two points. At the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, a hat-trick of one-point wins led them to a historic fourth title.

The Springbok Women, like the men, play a forwards-dominated game, and the ability to capitalise on the penalties that accrue from the often relentless pressure is crucial.

“I am kicking well again,” said Cilliers. “I did go through a bit of a tough patch and had help from a couple of people, but on our recent tour to Europe, coach Swys de Bruin just tweaked something small and suddenly I am kicking them from all over the place again.”

Cilliers hopes her name is read out on Thursday when the team is announced for the first Test against Canada - the Bok Women’s second at Loftus Versfeld. If she is in the match-day 23, it will be the second time she takes on the North Americans and this time, Cilliers believes, they have a chance to pull off a surprise win.