Libbie Janse van Rensburg’s Rugby World Cup Diary: Quarter-Final Focus
The initial stages of the Rugby World Cup were about establishing a rhythm and finding our feet,setting the pace for the rest of the tournament.the atmosphere surrounding our round two match against Italy was truly unforgettable – a moment etched in my memory. We understood the significance of a win: qualification for the quarter-finals for the first time in South African rugby history.However, realizing the importance and actually achieving it are two very different things. Italy is a formidable opponent,but we successfully implemented our game plan and secured the victory.
The celebrations that followed were a powerful expression of our collective achievement. Our primary objective entering the tournament was to reach the quarter-finals, recognizing the potential impact this would have on the growth of women’s rugby in South Africa and the opportunities it would create for us as players.
During the post-match excitement, a photograph captured a heartfelt embrace between Nolusindiso Booi and myself. While that image is poignant, it represented the emotions shared by every member of the team. We’ve dedicated years to this journey, consistently falling just short of our goals. Each time we progressed, a challenge seemed to appear. Finally overcoming that barrier and achieving our long-held ambition is difficult to articulate to those who haven’t shared the struggle. The relief and joy at the final whistle were indescribable,a culmination of individual and team battles.We are acutely aware that this is Nolusindiso Booi’s final World Cup, and we are steadfast to make it a memorable one. Her contribution to women’s rugby in South Africa has been immense; she embodies the power of dedication and inspires us all. We’ve already achieved the best World Cup experiance for her, but to send her off with an even greater success would be incredible. Our initial goal was quarter-final qualification, but now our ambitions have naturally evolved.
The upcoming match against New Zealand’s Black Ferns will be a important challenge, but also an exciting chance, as encounters like these are rare. The fact that the South African men’s team is also playing New Zealand on Saturday adds to the occasion, creating a feeling of a double-header.
My hope is that one day we will have the opportunity to play a double-header in South africa, ideally in the same stadium. While we have played as a curtain-raiser to the men’s team previously, having a world-class team like the Black Ferns visit and compete on our home ground would be a tremendous boost, encouraging greater public support. currently, attendance at our home games isn’t at the level we aspire to. That’s why the support we’ve received here at the World Cup has been so overwhelming – we aren’t accustomed to playing before such large crowds. We hope this tournament will inspire more people back home to come and support women’s rugby.Our focus for Saturday is to concentrate on our own performance and execute our game plan effectively. It’s crucial not to get ahead of ourselves.It will be a momentous occasion,but maintaining composure,staying present,and absorbing the atmosphere will be key.Regardless of the final score, playing against the Black Ferns in front of such a crowd is an incredible opportunity.
We understand that progress takes time – Rome wasn’t built in a day – and we don’t expect to promptly compete with established teams like England.Though, we have made significant strides and genuinely beleive this could be the beginning of a new era for women’s rugby in South Africa.
We will enter the game knowing that anything can happen in the playoffs, and with the unwavering belief that determination and heart can take us far.
See you there!
Libbie.
