South Africa adopt 'next job' mentality for second Eagles Test

Springbok Women assistant coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt has claimed the team will not dwell on their 34-21 victory against the USA Women’s Eagles.

At the weekend a dominant first half laid the foundations for the Boks’ win at Johannesburg’s Ellis Park. On Saturday afternoon tries from Ayanda Malinga, Unam Tose, Babalwa Latsha, Vainah Ubisi and a Logan Welman brace was enough to propel the hosts to a win.

A second half drop-off saw South Africa ship Freda Tafuna, Ashley Cowdrey and Elizabeth Cook tries as the Eagles registered all of their points in the final 20 minutes.

“Yes, it is a ‘next job’ attitude for us,” Johannes-Haupt said. “We will be working hard this week to iron out the gremlins that came into our game, especially in the second half, but also fine-tune some new things we want to execute on the weekend.”

The result has meant that the USA have dropped behind Australia in the World Rugby rankings.

On Saturday 11 July the teams will play one another again. This time the fixture will take place at Pretoria’s Loftus Versfeld in the second match of the two-game Test series.

Byrhandré Dolf will not be considered for selection in Pretoria as she enjoys a compulsory rest period. This season the 23-year-old has also represented South Africa Women’s Sevens.

South Africa will name their squad for the second Test on Thursday, although it could include several players more than accustomed to the surroundings of Loftus Versfeld.

“We have played there before and know what to expect, while a lot of our players are from the Bulls Daisies and are very familiar with the stadium,” Johannes-Haupt said.

“Altitude will be something that could work in our favour too. We have been up here in Johannesburg for almost two weeks now and adjusted and adapted well. The team schedule works well and we are in a good space.”