'Biggest game of our lives' - Bok Women eye breakthrough World Cup win against Italy

The Bok Women did their country proud with their 66-6 win over Brazil in last weekend's opening match in England, but experienced midfielder Zintle Mpupha acknowledged that they will need to do even better against much tougher opposition if they hope to advance in the competition.

"We started very well and we are happy that we did, but it will all fall flat on Sunday if we don't repeat that type of performance," said Mpupha.

"We did get the momentum needed, but it is also important to put that good win behind us as Italy will be a new challenge, one that we need to do this all over again."

Italy's abilities are well-known, with their last encounter less than a year ago resulting in a close win for the European side, but Mpupha feels that result can be overturned.

"This is the biggest game in our lives, if we get past Italy we will be in a strong position to qualify for the play-offs, which was what we came here for," she said.

"They are a very skilled team with good attacking skills, but so are we. It is going to be a wonderful match to be involved in.

"Some of the tries we scored against Brazil were really well executed," Mpupha added, crediting their excellent ball runners for those.

"We scored some nice tries – we have very balanced runners out wide and well as power runners closer to the pack and they combined nicely. It was great to play that kind of rugby in front of a good crowd at Northampton.

"The crowds have been great in the first round of matches and we cannot wait to go out there and experience more of that here in York."

Mpupha had an impressive outing at Franklin's Gardens, making 148 metres with 14 ball carries, and completing 10 of her 11 tackles.

She noted with a smile the reaction the Springbok Women "Bomb Squad" evoked last weekend, saying that they had tagged onto the concept made popular by the Springboks.

"It is really great to have a whole bench of energy coming onto the field, it certainly provides the remaining players with a nice boost," she reflected on the introduction of all eight finishers after 50 minutes of play against Brazil.

For Mpupha, who is South Africa's leading try-scorer with 20 five-pointers in 27 Tests, the weekend could see an extension of that achievement. However, that is not where the focus is for her, but rather what she can do for the team.

"We have a new job at hand and this week was all about ourselves and how we prepared to be at our best come Sunday," she said.

"Knowing that you represent your country, family and supporters is a massive boost and to combine that with clarity on the task at hand and a willingness to leave everything out there, gives me confidence for this very important match."