All eyes will be on Eden Park on Saturday when South Africa and France kick off the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Auckland, New Zealand.
South Africa will have to hit the ground running when they take on France in the opening fixture, a side that are strong candidates for the overall title.
Currently ranked fourth in the world, France have finished third in the tournament on six occasions and would like nothing better than to reach their first final.
In contrast, the Springboks have never finished higher than 10th in the overall standings and are currently ranked at 11 by World Rugby.
Adding to the pressure, is the fact that the South Africans have never beaten the French with three losses and a single draw from four outings.
Read: Settled look to Springbok Women team for RWC opener
This opening match will be the curtain-raiser for Fiji’s first-ever World Cup outing against England to complete the first round of Pool C fixtures.
The Springboks are likely to pay close attention to this ‘David vs Goliath’ battle of the group ahead of their outing against the debutants a week later.
South Africa may well favour their chances in their second fixture of the competition, but will need to be cautious against the Oceania Champions, a relatively unknown entity whom they have never played before.
Win or lose, the Springboks are again likely to be glued to the other Pool C match on the day when France face England in Whangārei.
In the final round of Pool C fixtures, France take on Fiji before South Africa face England in what will arguably be their toughest game of the competition on Sunday, 23 October.
Like the French, the Roses will be considered serious contenders for the title. However, the big difference between the two is that the English have previously been crowned champions and would like nothing more than to secure their third World Cup title.
Currently rated as the top team in the world, nearly 10 points ahead of New Zealand in the World Rugby rankings, an English exit in the group stages would be the upset of the tournament, an outcome the Springboks would love to deliver.
Springbok Women’s schedule:
8 October, France at Eden Park (3:15am)
16 October, Fiji at Waitakere Stadium (6:45am)
23 October, England at Waitakere Stadium (6:45am)
Read: Phepsi: Bok-less Sharks still got fizz
Photo: World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images
