Byrhandré Dolf is ready to take flight against the USA, and she's not just talking about her literal ability to soar through the air. With a record-breaking 27 points scored at the Rugby World Cup last year, Dolf is a force to be reckoned with on the field. But it's her return from the sevens circuit that has truly elevated her game, making her a more complete player. This transformation is evident in her recent performances with the BlitzBoks Women's team, where she's been showcasing her versatility and adaptability. As she prepares to face the USA at Ellis Park, Dolf is eager to demonstrate these improvements and lead the Springbok Women to victory.
The Springbok Women are no strangers to success, having recently dominated the Rugby Africa campaign. However, their upcoming match against the USA Eagles Women will be a true test of their mettle. The Eagles have faced formidable opponents, including New Zealand, Canada, and Australia, during the Pacific Four Series, and they are ranked highly in the world. Dolf acknowledges the challenge ahead, but she's confident in her team's ability to thrive with the support of the crowd.
"We thrive off the crowd," Dolf said. "They give us extra energy, and we are going to need that support against a top-ranked team like the USA. So please come early and support the Springbok Women. We worked hard for this, and it will be fantastic if we can beat the USA in front of our compatriots."
Dolf's return to the fifteens team as a primary kicker is a strategic move. Despite her recent sevens duties, she hasn't spent enough time around the kicking tee, but she's not too worried. She highlights the presence of other capable kickers in the team, such as Libbie Janse van Rensburg and Jakkie Cilliers, who have proven their prowess in previous matches. With their combined skills, the Springbok Women are well-equipped to handle any kicking challenges that arise.
Dolf's impact extends beyond her kicking abilities. Last year in England, she stood out for her exceptional running meters, covering an impressive 293m during the tournament. Playing at fullback and on the wing, her counter-attacks and elusiveness made her a key player. The sevens circuit has played a pivotal role in her development, enhancing her footwork, acceleration, and ability to create and find space. This newfound skill set will undoubtedly benefit her in the more compact fifteens format.
"One thing I am most happy about from recently playing sevens again was the habit and ability to create and find space," Dolf said. "I felt my footwork and acceleration benefited from that. Coming back to fifteens now, the space is obviously much less, but I am happy that I added some stepping and elusiveness to my game because of sevens. So, I am ready to use that to my advantage when I play in a Test match again."
As the Springbok Women prepare for their upcoming match, Dolf's leadership and determination are inspiring. Her ability to adapt and excel in different formats showcases her versatility and growth as a player. With her record-breaking performances and strategic mindset, Dolf is poised to lead the team to success against the USA, leaving her mark on the field and solidifying her status as a rising star in women's rugby.
