Hele: Bok Women's advantage ahead of Italy showdown

10/08/2024 01:26 PM

INTERVIEW: Springbok Women No.8 Aseza Hele believes her team's newfound belief and guts will secure a rare win over Italy on Saturday.

It is a big occasion for South Africa, who have a mathematical chance of finishing top of the WXV 2 standing on Saturday when they face Italy at Athlone Stadium.

The two teams also met in the inaugural tournament last year in South Africa.

In that game, the Bok Women went down 18-36 to Le Azzure and Hele was red-carded.

However, since then a lot of things have changed. The Bok Women are now under new management steered by performance head coach Swys de Bruin.

They have secured noteworthy wins over Barbarians, Spain, and Japan and impressed in their narrow defeat to Australia last week.

Speaking to @rugby365com, the Springbok Women No.8 Hele said the management team has been the main reason behind the big shift in the team.

She said they have created a very positive environment, where players can strive.

"We are building a sisterhood," Hele said with a big smile.

"Last year we were not [as positive] but now we are getting better. We are becoming a family and getting united.

"'Oom' (the Afrikaans phrase for uncle) Swys always says my management is united there are no cracks. So, when you see your management is unified and doing well it motivates you to do the same thing."

She added: "If people come in with good intentions, wanting the team to do well, we as players might as well join the party.

"They have brought a good vibe and everybody is happy."