Physicality is expected to be a defining factor when the Fijiana 15s take on the Springboks Women at HFC Bank Stadium this Saturday.

Fijiana 15s head coach Mike Legge admits his side is aware the visitors will look to exploit any shortcomings in the physical battle, while the Springboks Women have made it clear they are ready to embrace the contest.

After creating history with a 21-17 win over the Springboks Women at the 2022 Rugby World Cup pool stage in New Zealand, the Fijiana 15s are determined to back up that performance when the two sides meet again this weekend.

The hosts say they will stick to their attacking brand of rugby while placing greater emphasis on matching the South Africans’ physicality throughout the contest.

“They’re a team that’s slowly building and they’re a big team. These girls will come up against a team a size like that but it’s going to be good challenge. We will just continue to play our style of game and we can’t afford to lose it”

Meanwhile, the Springboks Women know they face a tough challenge against a confident Fijiana side in front of a passionate home crowd, but insist they are prepared.

“We know that the Fijiana XVs have a solid support system on their home ground. We gonna expect some solid physiciliaty, we’re gonna expecting the crowd to be backing them and making noise and while there’s going to be a lot of things going against us, we hope to put on some good rugby on Saturday.”

The two teams will face each other after four years at the HFC Bank Stadium with kickoff scheduled at 2pm.