Rugby | RSA team announcement ahead of their Women's Rugby World Cup match against Brazil

Swys de Bruin, head coach

On South Africa’s targets:
“Targets? Yes. To make quarters then see what happens. Performance, I would really like to see the players grow under pressure individually, which they have shown the last couple of games. They work so hard, so it’s nice to see each player get better in their position. The nine gives a better box kick, the 13 gives a better pass or the front row gives a better hit [at the scrum]. I really like to see that improvement at a big show like this.

"Our aim is to win the first game and forget the rest. Rassie [Erasmus] said it in the men’s World Cup. Only Scotland. Whatever happens on Monday morning, we’ll think about that then. The next job is the main thing. It’s a cliché but it’s process driven."

“It’s still a rugby game between the white lines and you mustn’t lose perspective. Scottie Scheffler [golfer] said, it’s just the next shot, even if you’re playing the Masters. A bit more pressure. Otherwise, we might forget to play. It’s the biggest show ever but they must still express themselves and beat the guy and have fun. If we lose that and get too serious, then we’ll be in trouble.”

On how he is feeling:
“Excitement I would say. I think of the picture of the Christmas tree and the bicycle is wrapped under the tree. You can’t ride it yet but you walk past and you can see it, feel it, sense it. We need to unwrap that present properly on Sunday.”

On South Africa’s experienced squad:
“We have a lot of experience and I’m sure they will carry each other. They are a bunch of professionals, trust me. I’ve worked with men for 35 years. There’s never anyone late, the values off the field with this bunch is fantastic, that’s why I’m looking forward to seeing them on the field."

Nolusindiso Booi, captain

On peaking emotionally for the first game:
“First of all, our team is in a good space. Excited, yes, but nervous for sure because this will be our first pool game. We can’t wait for the challenge.”

On biggest difference between her first World Cup [in England in 2010] and Rugby World Cup 2025:
“First of all I would say the hospitality. Almost everything is different. Every team that is out there, you know that they are prepared for this. The group I am with now is well prepared. Things change year by year. This will be a great World Cup where everyone will show some talent.”

Aseza Hele (pictured)

On making the most line breaks at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021:
“I don’t think that puts any pressure on me. I’m just going to be the Blommie [Afrikaans for ‘flower’] that I am. Be myself, do what I’m good at and don’t mind the noise outside because the noise can distract you.”

On her experience of playing club rugby in England:
“When I was here it was winter but now we’ve got a bit of sun. You know, that will help us a bit because when you don’t get sun you get sad, and when you’re sad you don’t perform. I know! [it’s been sunny in England since March] but it’s not anymore. Vitamin D is very important!”