The Springbok Women are under no illusions about the challenge that awaits them when they take on the in-form Canada, the world No 2, at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday next week, as they step up preparations for the Rugby World Cup.
A number of players who have been named in the initial squad of 26 will still have vivid memories of the last time the two teams met in 2023. Canada humbled the Springbok Women 66-7 in that Test, on March 25, 2023 in Madrid, Spain.
The South Africans will be keen to set the record straight on home soil. History, and recent form, suggest that won’t be an easy task, however.
The Springbok team’s performance coach, Swys de Bruin, said they are under no illusions about the challenge ahead as Canada achieved stunning success in the recent Pacific Four tournament. They beat Australia 45-7 in Brisbane, drew 27-27 with New Zealand in Christchurch, and beat the USA 26-14 in Kansas City.
“They are second in the world, and we are ranked twelfth, so the gap is massive, and we are certainly huge underdogs,” said De Bruin.
“But we wanted to be tested against a top side before the Rugby World Cup and this is it. We are hoping to be tested physically and tactically by Canada and our focus will be on how to respond to those challenges.”
The squad of 26 players named for the first Test of the two-match series will assemble in Johannesburg on Sunday. Regular captain Nolusindiso Booi, the most-capped Springbok Women’s Test player, is among the 16 forwards De Bruin named in the squad. The match 23 for the first Test will be announced on Thursday next.
The squad is laden with experience. Only three of the forwards named – Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Luchell Hanekom and Danelle Lochner – did not represent South Africa at the previous Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
Nine of the 10 backs named also travelled to New Zealand three years ago, with only Byrhandrè Dolf not involved in the showpiece. However, Dolf has played in all 20 Tests that the Springbok Women have played since.
It is a full-circle moment for the exciting backline player, who made her debut in the clash against Canada in 2023.
Mdliki, Hanekom, Nomsa Mokwai, Lerato Makua, Unam Tose and Dolf are the only remaining players from the group that claimed the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Antananarivo earlier this month. De Bruin said the recent performances by the team in Madagascar did influence selection, but the planning for the first Test against Canada was done earlier in the season.
“It is a very experienced group overall and we have a good idea of the matchday 23 already. We also have 13 players on standby and not in camp, but still in the running for selection in the second Test match.”
Eleven of the players on standby will be based at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport for recovery and fitness work. They are Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Anushka Groenewald, Roseline Botes, Vainah Ubisi, Nobuhle Mjwara, Alicia Willemse, Mary Zulu, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Leigh Fortuin, Patience Mokone and Maceala Samboya. Anathi Qolo and Faith Tshauke will train with their provincial outfit, the Bulls Daisies, in Pretoria.
The second Test against Canada takes place at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on July 12, and will be a curtain-raiser to the Springboks’ Castle Lager Incoming Series matches against Italy.
Springbok Women’s squad:
Forwards: Sanelisiwe Charlie, Yonela Ngxingolo, Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Babalwa Latsha, Azisa Mkiva, Luchell Hanekom, Micke Gunter, Lindelwa Gwala, Nolusindiso Booi, Nomsa Mokwai, Danelle Lochner, Catha Jacobs, Sinazo Mcatshulwa, Lerato Makua, Sizophila Solontsi, Aseza Hele.
Backs: Unam Tose, Tayla Kinsey, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Chumisa Qawe, Zintle Mpupha, Eloise Webb, Ayanda Malinga, Jakkie Cilliers, Nadine Roos, Byrhandrè Dolf
