The Springbok Women have announced their team for Friday’s WXV Global Series opener against Wales in Cardiff, with the coaching staff making several changes as they look to build greater squad depth.
Following their recent encounter with the New Zealand Black Ferns in Johannesburg, South Africa have made one alteration to the starting pack and introduced two changes among the backs.
Welman Moves Into No 8 Role
Logan Welman will start at No 8, with Aseza Hele moving to the replacements bench in the only change to the Springbok Women pack.
Babalwa Latsha will once again captain the side, while Lindelwa Gwala starts at hooker. Sizophila Solontsi and Catha Jacobs retain their positions in the loose forwards, with Danelle Lochner and Vainah Ubisi pairing in the second row.
Sanelisiwe Charlie and Babalwa Latsha complete the front row alongside Gwala.
Tshiremba Returns After Fiji Hat-Trick
The backline also sees some notable changes.
Felicia Jacobs returns to the starting XV at scrumhalf, while Maria Tshiremba earns a starting berth after missing the recent match against New Zealand.
Tshiremba returns to the team following her impressive Test debut against Fiji last month, when she scored a hat-trick.
Maceala Samboya retains her place at outside centre after coming off the bench against the Black Ferns and replacing the injured Zintle Mpupha. She will partner Aphiwe Ngwevu in midfield.
Byrhandré Dolf starts at fullback, with Ayanda Malinga on the left wing and Libbie Janse van Rensburg at flyhalf.
Springbok Women Starting XV
15 Byrhandré Dolf, 14 Maria Tshiremba, 13 Maceala Samboya, 12 Aphiwe Ngwevu, 11 Ayanda Malinga, 10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg, 9 Felicia Jacobs, 8 Logan Welman, 7 Catha Jacobs, 6 Sizophila Solontsi, 5 Danelle Lochner, 4 Vainah Ubisi, 3 Babalwa Latsha (captain), 2 Lindelwa Gwala, 1 Sanelisiwe Charlie.
Replacements: Micke Gunter, Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Nomsa Mokwai, Aseza Hele, Sinelitha Noxeke, Jakkie Cilliers, Patience Mokone.
September: Building for the Future
Springbok Women co-coach Franzel September explained that the changes form part of a broader strategy to develop the squad ahead of the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
The WXV Global Series gives the coaching staff an opportunity to expose more players to international rugby while also assessing their options ahead of future Tests.
September said the team wants to maintain the structures that have worked while expanding the number of players capable of performing at the highest level.
Friday’s fixture is therefore about more than simply the result. It represents another opportunity for South Africa to develop combinations and increase competition for places within the squad.
Wales Expected to Test South Africa Up Front
The Springbok Women coaching staff are also anticipating a demanding contest in the set phases.
September highlighted the strength of both teams’ forward packs, suggesting that the battle at scrum time and in other set-piece situations could play a major role in determining the flow of the match.
South Africa have played eight Tests this year and believe their work in the forwards has continued to improve. The challenge now is to transfer that progress into the Cardiff encounter.
Six-Two Bench Split Adds Power
One of the most interesting features of the matchday squad is the six-two split on the replacements bench.
Utility forward Sinelitha Noxeke has been included to provide additional forward options, while Jakkie Cilliers and Patience Mokone offer cover among the backs.
Cilliers is set to provide scrumhalf cover and will feature in the first meeting between South Africa and Wales since 2021.
For Latsha, Friday’s fixture also carries a personal connection. The captain made her Springbok Women debut at Cardiff Arms Park in 2018, while vice-captain Janse van Rensburg scored in South Africa’s most recent appearance at the venue in 2021.
The Springbok Women will now look to start the WXV Global Series strongly as they continue building towards the next phase of their international journey.
