Springbok Women's squad boosted for Black Ferns XV tour to South Africa
Springbok Women coach Swys de Bruin has named a 32-player squad to take on the Black Ferns XV in two matches in Cape Town in what will be South Africa's final preparation for next month's World Cup in England.
The matches against the touring New Zealanders will be played at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town, with kick-off scheduled for 5pm on 26 July and 2 August.
De Bruin added six players to the group that concluded the two-Test series against Canada in Pretoria and Gqeberha, with the recall of Vainah Ubisi the most significant.
Ubisi has completed the final stages of her rehabilitation following knee surgery and the lock, who has been capped 18 times since 2023, should make her first appearance of the year for the national team in one of the two matches.
Four players who formed part of the Rugby Africa Women's Cup winning group — Mary Zulu, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Anathi Qolo and Faith Tshauke — rejoin the squad as well as Maceala Samboya, who toured France and Spain with the team earlier this year.
The squad consists of 13 backs and 19 forwards, and De Bruin said the new players will have no problems slotting back in.
'We are very close to our final World Cup squad and those six joining the group have played and toured with us in the past,' said De Bruin.
'They are up to date with our plays and structures, so we can get our hands dirty from our first session on Monday, to be best prepared for the two matches.
'I am happy to see Vainah back in the mix as well. She is one of the best in her position and we followed her rehabilitation with interest. Credit to the medical staff who helped her on the way.'
De Bruin admitted that the Black Ferns XV will provide a very stiff challenge: 'They have the whole bag of tricks in their squad. They have Black Ferns players who will be on the standby list for World Cup selection, a strong group of players who have good experience in their Super Rugby Aupiki tournament, and some very promising youngsters coming through the ranks.
'We need to be tested in all areas of our game, so welcome that. Canada did provide clarity on some of our work-ons and this Black Ferns XV team will hopefully do the same.'
Springbok Women squad for the Black Ferns XV matches
Forwards: Sanelisiwe Charlie (Bulls Daisies), Yonela Ngxingolo (Bulls Daisies), Babalwa Latsha (unattached), Azisa Mkiva (Western Province), Nombuyekezo Mdliki (Border Ladies), Micke Gunter (unattached),Luchell Hanekom (Western Province), Roseline Botes (Western Province), Danelle Lochner (Harlequins Women), Nolusindiso Booi (captain, Western Province), Nomsa Mokwai (Western Province), Vainah Ubisi (Bulls Daisies), Anathi Qolo (Bulls Daisies), Sinazo Mcatshulwa (unattached), Lerato Makua (Bulls Daisies), Catha Jacobs (unattached), Aseza Hele (Sanlam Boland Dames), Sizophila Solontsi (Bulls Daisies), Faith Tshauke (Bulls Daisies).
Backs: Byrhandré Dolf (Bulls Daisies), Jakkie Cilliers (Bulls Daisies), Ayanda Malinga (Bulls Daisies), Maceala Samboya (Sanlam Boland Dames), Zintle Mpupha (Bulls Daisies), Libbie Janse van Rensburg (Bulls Daisies), Chumisa Qawe (Bulls Daisies), Aphiwe Ngwevu (Border Ladies), Eloise Webb (Border Ladies), Mary Zulu (Sharks Women), Unam Tose (Bulls Daisies), Nadine Roos (Springbok Women's Sevens), Tayla Kinsey (Sharks Women).
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