A local sportswoman is one of 12 women from the Eastern Province who make up the Springbok squad taking part in the International Rugby Board Women’s Rugby World Cup 2010, England, starting on 20 August.
A local sportswoman is one of 12 women from the Eastern Province who make up the Springbok squad taking part in the International Rugby Board Women’s Rugby World Cup 2010, England, starting on 20 August.
Grahamstown’s Daphne Scheepers is part of the 26 member team that will kick off the tournament against defending champions New Zealand.
Khanyiso Thswaku caught up with her to hear about the journey so far.
How did you react when you were called up for the Springbok team?
Firstly, when I was called up to the Springbok training camp, I was surprised, but I had told myself that I was always going to make it. I was told to lose weight and I had to work hard. In March I attended a further training camp, from where I was told I was going to go to Dubai, where we played two test matches against Kazakhstan, which we won. Then in June we travelled to Scotland and we played a further two matches, which we won.
What was your experience of the training camps?
The first time it was hard. I thought I was not going to make the team, but I believed in myself and worked hard.
How was the spirit in the training camp?
A lot of the players are from the Eastern Province team and they were happy to have me in the team as they said they now have a brave player who is physical and not scared to take the ball up. They told me not to give up because it was hard for them when they first made it, but they have adjusted accordingly.
How tough is the standard of international women’s rugby?
It is tough and playing for the national team is a privilege. Fans do not take us seriously, they only believe in the men’s team. We are passionate about the game. We eat, drink and sleep the game, so we’ll have to make a statement, like beating New Zealand in our opening game to make fans believe in us.
Are New Zealand that good?
Yes, they are the world champions and it is my first world cup.
How excited are you about your first World Cup?
I’m very happy. I don’t have enough words to explain my happiness. I am from Grahamstown and I am proud of that. I feel honoured to represent Grahamstown.
Besides New Zealand. Which are the other good sides at the tournament?
Our pool has New Zealand, Australia and Wales and they are all good and they have participated in women’s rugby for some time. In the last tournament, we came last, but this year we are going to make a statement and make history.
What lessons do you aim to learn out of this World Cup?
In this World Cup, I want to play my heart out and come back with something in my hands, like for example the player of the tournament, but more importantly, to gain experience for the next World Cup in 2014 and to show that rugby is also a women’s sport, not just a men’s sport.
