Following the unexpected departure of Swys de Bruin as head coach, the Springbok Women's team has been announced for the upcoming clash with the Black Ferns. This matchup, set for the FNB Stadium on Saturday, marks a monumental moment as it is the Black Ferns' inaugural test on South African turf. Co-head coaches Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September will helm the team, continuing their leadership from successful stints in Kenya and Fiji.
SA Rugby has expressly stated that no further comments on De Bruin's exit will be made at this time, emphasizing the team's focus on the crucial upcoming game. The directive is clear: the team's immediate future is the priority.
The team lineup includes several veterans from last year's World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand. Prop Babalwa Latsha will lead the team, flanked by Sanelisiwe Charlie and Lindelwa Gwala. They are paired in the front row, aiming to solidify the team's defense against a formidable opponent.
"We're focusing solely on the game ahead. It's about maintaining our cohesion and playing our best rugby," said Latsha.
In the locks positions, Vainah Ubisi and Danelle Locher are set to contribute their robust synergy, while the back row will see Catha Jacobs joining forces with Sizo Solontsi and Aseza Hele. This blend of experience and dynamic play is expected to be pivotal in Saturday's face-off.
The backline retains key players from the World Cup face-off, including Byrhandré Dolf, Zintle Mpupha, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Ayanda Malinga, and Libbie Janse van Rensburg. Unam Tose steps in as scrumhalf for the injured Nadine Roos, while Alichia Arries takes a starting position on the wing, signaling strategic adjustments to enhance the team's offensive strategy.
Anacadia Minnaar also makes the bench, ready to face the Black Ferns for the first time in this historic match, which kicks off at 1:30 pm.
Here is the complete roster for the Springbok Women:
- Byrhandré Dolf
- Alichia Arries
- Zintle Mpupha
- Aphiwe Ngwevu
- Ayanda Malinga
- Libbie Janse van Rensburg
- Unam Tose
- Aseza Hele
- Catha Jacobs
- Sizophila Solontsi
- Danelle Locher
- Vainah Ubisi
- Babalwa Latsha (c)
- Lindelwa Gwala
- Sanelisiwe Charlie
- Anushka Groenewald
- Yonela Ngxingolo
- Nombuyekezo Mdliki
- Nomsa Mokwai
- Shiniqwa Lamprecht
- Logan Welman
- Anacadia Minnaar
- Maceala Samboya
As the team gears up for this pivotal match, the focus is sharp, and the spirits are high. They aim to make a significant statement on their home ground, determined to rise to the occasion against the esteemed Black Ferns.
