Koen remains positive after wake-up call for Springbok Women: 'We defended with honour'

Despite a heavy defeat to Canada in Madrid on Saturday, Louis Koen, the interim coach of the Springbok Women's side, said they remained determined to close the gap on the world's top teams.

The Springboks went down 66-7, conceding 10 tries and scoring one themselves. Canada scored five tries in each half, but Koen praised his team for their brave defence, saying the score could have been higher if they weren't so courageous.

South Africa wasn't helped by an early red card for Catha Jacobs and an injury to Danelle Lochner.

“We were up against it from the start with the loss of Catha (Jacobs) to a red card and then 15 minutes later, the injury to Danelle Lochner,” said Koen.

“They were our lineout callers, and we had to adapt against a very capable Canadian pack. They were also game-wise and moved the ball side to side to use their numerical advantage, and that worked for them.

“We did defend with real honour for long spells in the match – I can recall at least five times where we kept them away from our line with a very resilient defence and a refusal to lie down and give them the points. I am really proud of that.”

For the coach, the early red card and subsequent injuries to Lochner and firecracker No 8 Aseza Hele compounded the realities of four players who made their Test debuts in the match, but he accepted the defeat and made no excuses.

“Our players were made to realise what the intensity, pace and intent is from the top sides in the world,” he added.

“We took our first step towards that standard today. We also saw their conditioning and skills set, and our players now have a better picture of what is needed if you want to be in the top tier.”

Koen is