Exclusive: Nadine Roos Reflects on Decade-Long Bond With Janse van Rensburg as Boks Reach RWC Quarters

The Springboks’ five-point (29-24) victory over Italy in their Women’s Rugby World Cup (RWC) match to book their spot in the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time was a nervy affair, but that mattered little as the South Africans achieved a significant milestone in their history.

That was in large part due to combined team effort, but there were of course a couple of standout performances, most notably by player of the match Libbie Janse van Rensburg at fly half. 

With Nadine Roos shifting from fullback to scrumhalf during the match, the partnership with Janse van Rensburg resulted in some dominant phases of play and most notably a couple of vital scores. 

Both Roos and Janse van Rensburg combined for a vital team try during the encounter, as the understanding between the two star players proved pivotal.

Roos and Libbie: A Decade-Long Rugby Partnership 

“Libbie and I go way back … from 2015 when the two of us played for Tuks together, so we’ve played rugby together for about nine to 10 years,” Roos told SportsBoom.co.za in an exclusive interview.

“I think our ability to understand each other’s game and how we complement each other on the field is something that won’t stop. We have had that flair for a long time, and it’s really nice having to share these moments and see them pay off for the team.”

While Janse van Rensburg received most of the praise after the game, there’s no disputing that the efforts of Roos were also invaluable.

How Roos' Leadership Shaped the Game

At 29 and playing in her second RWC, the experience of players like Roos has made the difference.

“I know in these high-pressure games we always focused on the outcome, but moments in the game will need that composure and experience and I think for me it was really important to bring that aspect to the game as well."

“I’m a big believer in consistency and discipline. You can do all things right, but if those components in such a crucial game aren’t in place, it will definitely come back and shoot you in the foot. We as a group had massive discussions from the start of the week about how we need to believe that we can beat them. We spoke a lot about our discipline in this game and how important it will be.”

Boks Secure Quarterfinal Spot

Though there is still the small matter of taking on world number four France in their final Pool D game on Sunday, the fact that the Boks are through to the next round is a monumental achievement as they have surpassed expectations.

Roos said it was indeed a special moment for women’s rugby in South Africa, as they have also moved up two spots to 10th in the world rankings along with their passage to the quarters.

“It is really unbelievable. SARU have put a lot of resources into the women’s game, from pushing our domestic rugby to become more professional, increasing contract numbers, and getting sponsorships on board. This is all owed to them for doing that."

“Making history for reaching the quarters is for us to be an inspiration for the generation and give back to them, making it possible for them to make a career out of this sport we live. This is also just scripting history, leaving a mark, and really just setting the standards.”