Tyler-Jane leads Springboks to victory

CAPTAIN of the South Africa U20 women’s team, Tyler-Jane Coleman led her team to two victories over the Zimbabwe U20 women’s team in their bilateral series in Prince Edward, Harare recently. The SA team enjoyed a flawless 43-0 victory in their first match before sealing a 67-10 win in their second match.

The last time the SA women’s U20 team faced international competition, was in the Nations Cup in 2013.

For Northlands Girls’ High School learner, Coleman, leading the squad was one of the biggest highlights of her rugby career so far.

“When I arrived for the training camp at the University of Pretoria’s High Performance Centre (HPC) I was trying to impress our coach, Laurian Johannes to make the team for the Zimbabwe series, so in a way I was all about myself. When I was named captain for a warm-up game against the Bulls women’s team I was ecstatic but I thought it would only be for that game.

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“When they named me captain for the series I was ecstatic because it’s an absolute honour to be able to represent and lead your country. The team made it really easy for me because we are a sisterhood. I had the full backing of the team and coach Laurian which was amazing.

“The biggest change for me as a player was reminding myself I’m no longer an individual on the field, I’ve got a team to think about,” she said.

The talented prop said the games against Zimbabwe were hugely beneficial.

“I felt the Zimbabwe women’s team were extremely physical. A few years ago as part of the Sharks youth team we played a Zimbabwe women’s youth team.

“At that time they weren’t as strong and physical but this time around I think we were taken aback by their intensity initially and we knew we had to bring our A game to succeed.

“I think this series was beneficial for me and the team because this was an opportunity for us to show our mettle and develop as players. Hopefully I can keep performing well and make a senior national side in the next few years,” she said.

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