Raubenheimer geared up for World Cup test

Raubenheimer geared up for World Cup test

Springbok Women coach Stanley Raubenheimer believes Scotland will pose the perfect preparation for their Rugby World Cup opener against France next weekend.

The World Cup is set to kick-off in New Zealand on October 8, with the Boks pitted against England, Fiji and their opening opponents France in Pool C.

As they fine-tune their preparations, their final match before the tournament will be played at the team's training venue at Grammar Juniors Rugby Football Club.

œThis match is part of our final preparation planning for the Rugby World Cup, Raubenheimer explained.

œI met Bryan [Easson, Scotland's head coach] in May when we attended a World Rugby workshop, and we became good friends. We have been in regular contact ever since, sharing ideas and this match was discussed and confirmed during one of those chats.

œWe need this hit-out before we take on France next weekend. It will be important that the players implement the plan we have for France tomorrow. Scotland will come up with one or two 'French' plays as well, so we need to be alert and adaptable to that.

"I don't want the players to be surprised or anxious about the French game, so we laid out our plans to them in Cape Town already and everyone is on board with that.

œMy expectation for tomorrow is to get the team used to the conditions on this side and game ready. The surface here is quite different to what we are used to at home, it is softer and much more slippery.

"So hopefully we get a good feel on that as well tomorrow and the players get confidence playing with these underfoot conditions."

By Web Admin