30 March - Christchurch - South Africa Captain Sune Luus pre-match press conference

Reporter: You've done all the prep work, for the last five years you've been preparing for this game. All the nets, talks all of that but what would be the final thing that you - the message that you have for your team tomorrow in the huddle before we go on the field? That's the first question. And the second one is, generally these games, there's many small moments in these matches that decide the final outcome - What would you highlight as a mini battle that you that you need to win tomorrow?

Sune: I haven’t really thought about the last thing I would say to the team tomorrow in the huddle, but I think it will probably be around - we have an opportunity to make South Africa extremely proud and to make history. I think that will be the biggest thing for me as captain. And then I think small victories on the field - the small moments would definitely be moments of brilliance in the field. I think if you can take that brilliant catch, will save that extra run or two. I think that will really be the difference tomorrow, because as we've seen, every single game has been extremely close in this World Cup and I don't think tomorrow is going to be any different. So, if we have the opportunity to have that moment of brilliance tomorrow in the field some way. I think that would definitely help.

Reporter: My question is what are the takeaways from the match against England that you played in the group stage? It was one of the I mean, there have been quite a few and it was one of them. How do you look back on that and what do you take away from that into the semifinal?

Sune: Yeah, no, that was an extremely good game for us. I felt like England played well, as well. So I don't think tomorrow is going to be any different. They're obviously going to bring their A game and we just need to be extremely clinical tomorrow. Yeah, I think they've obviously had experience of playing in semifinals and playing against us in the semifinals as well. I think tomorrow will just be who is at their best for longer periods of time and who can stay focus for longer.

Reporter: And just a follow up has the 2017 semifinal come up in the discussions within the team group so far, you look back and take something away from it. Just how do you deal with that?

Sune: No, we haven't brought that up. I think that's five years ago. I think teams have changed, players have grown a lot since that semi-final. And we've - I think we've become a way better team in the last five years. So that's definitely in the past and we look to tomorrow as a whole new game and a whole new world cup. So we just take it as it going to come.

Reporter: I guess it's a personal question for you. How are you feeling and what does it mean for you to lead your side in a World Cup semi-final?

Sune: Yeah, that's obviously a big honor. Something I never really thought of doing. Especially so soon in my career. Yeah, so tomorrow it's going to be a big game. And I think probably there are going to be a couple of tears at the beginning of the game. It's, obviously a massive opportunity to make history in South Africa and to change a lot of lives back home as well. And for us as players. So obviously very excited for tomorrow with some butterflies as well, but that's something we'll manage when the time comes.

Reporter: Just one of the things that stood out about this team, not just in this tournament, but over the last couple of years has just been the ability to win those key moments to win tightly contested games. So what do you think has changed? Was there a turning point you think that you can identify or do you think it's just been collective experiences that you’ve gained over the years and now that you're finally kind of making the right decisions under pressure?

Sune: Yeah, definitely think it's kind of a team effort. Everybody's stepping up at the right times. And I think everybody's been taking responsibility when they're out in the middle and they have to do a job. I think that's been our biggest thing - normally we would just kind of give up. But I think over the last few years, we've shown the fight, we've shown the character. And like I said, I think the biggest thing for us is people taking responsibility for what they're doing. If - like the other night -Mignon was there and she knew she had to take it as deep as possible. And she took that responsibility on herself to take it as deep as possible and to get us over the lines. I think that's definitely been something that stood out over the last couple of years.

Reporter: Having beaten England, in the game and also in the T20 World Cup a couple years ago, will be fit to say that you guys are favorites for tomorrow and if so are you comfortable being favorites going into the semis?

Sune: I don't think we really look at it like that. It's a big game for both teams. There's equal amount of pressure on both teams and I think it's just going to be who holds the nerves better tomorrow. We obviously don't - I don't know we wouldn't go into tomorrow with extra pressure. We're just playing another game of cricket and we're going to see it that way. So, if anybody sees us as favorites, we take that as a huge compliment. And we'll take confidence out of that.

Reporter: The coach has been with us since 2013, how is constant process has set in terms of stable, regardless of the results.

Sune: Yeah, I think we've obviously formed a relationship with our coach. He's obviously been with us for a long time. I think he created a good environment for us to thrive in. And like you said, he's been with us since 2013. And we know his coaching style. He knows us as players. And we all get along very well. I think the stability is created in this environment is very key for us.

And he's been very successful as a coach. So, he's been doing a great job. And yeah, we would love to work with him.

Reporter: So just on the India, South Africa match the other day, a lot of attention was on the last stages of the run chase itself. But Shabnim Ismail’s comeback with the ball in the last 10 – 15 overs, was, I think one of the crucial parts of the game just talk to us about what she offers the side and how important was that spell that she bowled and what it means for you to have her on your –

Sune: Yeah, Shabnim is obviously a big part of our team. She's one of the most experienced bowlers and players in our team and, and one of the best bowlers in the world. And I think to have her on our side with experience as well as the skill, I think it gives us a huge advantage as a team. That attitude is always so positive. She always wants to bowl, She always wants to make a difference when she's bowling and I think, her comeback just shows the type of character she is.

Reporter: From your point of view, how have you kind of enjoyed the captaincy so far? And how have you managed the emotions and the pressures that come with it in such a high stakes tournament? Because you have performed very well with the bat yourself. So , how are you managing to give yourself Sune the player time and then also think about your team?

Sune: Yeah, no, it's been a balance that I've been trying to find since we played the India series before this tournament. I think when I go to bat, I just put the captaincy aside and just be Sune the player and it's been working quite well. But obviously have a good support structure back home and with my teammates as well. And, I kind of shift a lot of the responsibilities towards the vice-captain as well Chloe and some of the other girls on the team. So, I've had a lot of help, a lot of support and I think that's something that's been helping

Reporter: We spoke about - we all know back home what the pressures are associated with this game and what it would mean, but it's also just a case of you guys going out enjoying the occasion. And basically just taking it all in and just celebrating the fact that you're doing another semifinal –

Sune: Yeah, obviously you can't lose the enjoyment factor of the game. Obviously, we don't have anything to lose tomorrow. We've never been in a final so there's no real expectation. But obviously, it's one of our dreams and we will work really hard towards that tomorrow. But I think we need to enjoy it. So it's still a game of cricket and it's still the game we love and tomorrow won't be any different.

Reporter: Obviously would be a special moment for you and another teammate of yours - Currently you both are on 99th ODI for the team. What does it I mean for you guys to both make you 100th match tomorrow against England?

Sune: Yeah, no, it's a big milestone. I completely forgot. It might be my 100th game tomorrow, actually.

But it's an honor to play for your country. Even if you just play five matches or 100 matches. It's still every time you walk up, you walk on the field and sing the anthem. It's still a special moment and I don't think tomorrow will be any different.

Reporter: And just your thoughts on Lizelle making 100th as well?

Sune: Yeah, no, she's extremely excited. But also, don't think she's going to put any pressure on herself being 100th game as well. I just hope she remembers that 100 number in the back of her mind and turns that into runs.