Without a question, the England task will be difficult, but the Springbok Women are prepared for it.
The South Africans will face the English in their third World Cup match on Sunday at Waitakere Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand, in their last group match of the tournament.
The teams are in drastically different positions entering the contest.
While South Africa will be seeking their first tournament victory, England have won both of their previous matchups and are currently unbeaten in 28 consecutive Tests.
If the squad loses, they will return to South Africa on Tuesday. A victory may advance them to the tournament’s quarterfinals. Consequently, the pressure is on.
“Regardless of the outcome, we must leave the field knowing we left nothing behind. I have requested that of the players, and I trust they will comply,” she said.
The last time the Springbok Women faced England, in the 2013 Women’s Nations Cup, both Booi and Zenay Jordaan scored tries, but the Red Roses prevailed 18-17.
On Thursday, coach Stanley Raubenheimer announced seven changes to his team, but that number has subsequently decreased to six as a result of Simamkele Namba’s late withdrawal and Zintle Mpupha’s return to the midfield, where she played against France and scored a try against Fiji.
Booi believes the alterations will inject positive energy.
“It’s a very exciting squad because it includes young players who haven’t played yet, and we’ve seen their excitement during training this week,” Booi added.
They are ecstatic to learn that they will be competing in the Rugby World Cup. It is something so monumental, and I am certain that we will challenge England.
“If we want to be the tournament’s biggest surprise, we must execute well when we have the ball. We have accomplished this in phases thus far in the tournament, but on Sunday we must bring it all together.”
This will be the fifth time the two sides have met. Once earlier, during the 2006 Rugby World Cup in Edmonton, England defeated Australia 74-8.
Springbok Women’s Team
15 Eloise Webb, 14 Nomawethu Mabenge, 13 Zintle Mpupha, 12 Chumisa Qawe, 11 Nadine Roos, 10 Zenay Jordaan, 9 Tayla Kinsey, 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Lerato Makua, 6 Lusanda Dumke, 5 Catha Jacobs, 4 Nolusindiso Booi, 3 Babalwa Latsha, 2 Roseline Botes, 1 Sanelisiwe Charlie.
Replacements: 16 Micke Gunter, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Azisa Mkiva, 19 Nompumelelo Mathe, 20 Sizophila Solontsi, 21 Rumandi Potgieter, 22 Jakkie Cilliers, 23 Chuma Qawe.