The Springbok Women are ready to launch their WXV Global Series campaign when they face Wales at Cardiff Arms Park on Friday, 18 September.
South Africa have named a strong matchday squad for the opening encounter, with co-coaches Franzel September and Laurian Johannes-Haupt making several adjustments to the team that faced New Zealand earlier this month.
The fixture represents an important opportunity for the Springbok Women to test themselves against another high-level international opponent as they continue building towards the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Welman Starts at No 8
Logan Welman moves into the No 8 position for the Wales clash, with Aseza Hele dropping to the replacements bench.
There are also changes in the backline, with Felicia Jacobs returning at scrumhalf and Maria Tshiremba earning a starting berth on the wing after missing the previous Test against the Black Ferns.
Tshiremba returns after making an impressive Test debut against Fiji, where she scored three tries.
Maceala Samboya also moves into the starting lineup. After featuring from the bench against New Zealand, she will partner Aphiwe Ngwevu in the midfield.
Babalwa Latsha will captain the Springbok Women, while Libbie Janse van Rensburg continues at flyhalf.
Springbok Women Starting XV
Forwards: Sanelisiwe Charlie, Lindelwa Gwala, Babalwa Latsha (captain), Vainah Ubisi, Danelle Lochner, Sizophila Solontsi, Catha Jacobs, Logan Welman.
Backs: Felicia Jacobs, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Ayanda Malinga, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Maceala Samboya, Maria Tshiremba, Byrhandré Dolf.
Replacements: Micke Gunter, Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Nomsa Mokwai, Aseza Hele, Sinelitha Noxeke, Jakkie Cilliers, Patience Mokone.
WXV Global Series Fixtures
The Wales match is the first of several challenging fixtures on South Africa’s schedule.
18 September: Wales vs South Africa — Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff — 20:15
26 September: Italy vs South Africa — Stadio Omero Tognon, Fontanafredda — 14:30
4 October: Spain vs South Africa — Estadio Olimpico de la Cartuja, Seville — 12:00
24 October: South Africa vs Ireland — Athlone Stadium, Cape Town — 15:00
31 October: South Africa vs Ireland — Athlone Stadium, Cape Town — 15:00
The Springbok Women will therefore face a varied set of challenges during the series, including encounters against Wales, Italy, Spain and Ireland.
Coaches Looking to Build Squad Depth
September has stressed the importance of giving more players international experience as South Africa develops its squad ahead of the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
The WXV Global Series provides the coaching staff with an opportunity to test combinations against strong opposition while expanding the number of players capable of competing at Test level.
Johannes-Haupt has also highlighted the significance of facing some of the leading teams in women’s rugby. Wales, like South Africa, are expected to place considerable emphasis on their forward pack, setting up a potentially physical contest at Cardiff Arms Park.
Springbok Women Enter Series With Mixed Results
South Africa head into the Global Series after a varied run of results this year.
The team shared a two-match series against the United States, winning one match and losing the other, before producing an unbeaten campaign at the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup.
The Springbok Women defeated Madagascar, Uganda and Kenya during that competition before facing the Black Ferns in Johannesburg.
The defeat to New Zealand provided another demanding test, and the coaching staff will now look to build on the lessons from that encounter when they meet Wales.
A New Test Awaits in Cardiff
Friday’s match will be the first meeting between the Springbok Women and Wales since 2021, adding further significance to the occasion.
With Latsha leading the side and a number of players given opportunities to start, South Africa will look to begin their WXV Global Series campaign with a strong performance.
The Wales clash kicks off at 20:15 on Friday, 18 September, at Cardiff Arms Park.
