Rugby | RSA team v FRA head coach de Bruin, captain Babalwa Latsha

Swys de Bruin, head coach 

On the big changes to the squad this week:

"First, I trust every one of these ladies to do the job, that's why they're here. We beat Italy, which made it easier [to change the team]. The second thing is a lot of those players put their bodies on the line in two games, and we can rest them, and I’ll listen to the doctor and I’ll listen to the conditioner who would suggest it’s good for some of these girls to take a break, not just for their bodies, but mentally as well.

"The World Cup means everything to the 32 players and the last thing I would have done is left here and some of them didn't ever run on that pitch. For years, they’ll remember that I was the girl who went to the World Cup and never had a chance. So, rugby is so important, but people are more important."

On playing France on Sunday:

"They [France] offer something else. They've got a very good scrum, and we've got a good scrum, so that'll be a good contest. The set play from France is massive. They've got a few tall girls there, so their lineout is good and you must be very sharp. Their programme is very professional. You must look at the gym and the indoor facilities. France really put a lot into their women's sport, and that's our next aim, to get to that professional level as well. France is a very good team."

On whether the preparation has changed since the Springboks made it through to the quarter-finals:

"We've got a menu that we really worked on for a years now, certain concepts that they like on this table. For every game, we would pick from the menu what we think would work. So we hardly come with a brand-new idea and if you play a team that defends with 13 guys or 14 guys, maybe we come to a more kicking style and we practise that. So it's horses for horses, really. I try and keep it simple."

Babalwa Latsha, captain

On wearing the captain's armband:

"It's a massive honour, a great privilege, not everyone gets to be granted that. I see it as a vote of confidence as well. I've been around for quite some time, and I know what makes the girls click and, fortunately for me, I've had the privilege to be in the pupillage of a stalwart, Sindi Booi. But it's all about the team, really. My job is simple: to play the best rugby possible and to contribute to the team's success as best as I can."

On getting on the pitch for the final round of the pool:

"How much more exciting can it get when you're running out in the biggest stages of them all, a World Cup? And to see the likes of Dolf doing their thing and having loads of fun is exceptional for me. We're looking forward to the challenge. We know it's going to be quite a tussle and I think we are prepared for that and excited for it."