Williams relishing World Cup warm-ups
Springbok Women's captain Mandisa Williams says she and the rest of the team are ready to test themselves against top sides during their Women's Rugby World Cup warm-up tour of England and France.
Lawrence Sephaka’s side left the country for London on Wednesday, where they will play two matches against the Nomads on 28 June and 1 July, followed by a test against France in Marcoussis, outside of Paris, on 4 July.
“We have worked very hard at the training camp in the last few days,” said Williams. “We have been tested mentally and physically, as we had a few training sessions a day, so the players have a good idea of what is expected of them on tour, and they are ready to measure themselves against quality opposition.”
Williams believes the tour will highlight the areas which need attention as the players will be exposed to competitive action.
“The Nomads always field a quality team, and this year we are expecting a few World Cup fringe players to be included in the squad, which means they will be determined to prove their worth,” Williams said.
“The clash against France will be even tougher because that is an official test match, and it will serve as a dress rehearsal for our World Cup pool game, so it will be important for us to perform well.
“As a team we hope to take several lessons from this tour to ensure that we are as well prepared as possible when we depart for the World Cup.”
The Women’s Rugby World Cup will be hosted in France from 1 to 17 August. The Springbok Women have been drawn in a challenging pool with Australia, hosts France, and Wales.
