Latest news with #BlackFernsXV
IOL News
3 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Springbok Women's squad boosted for Black Ferns XV tour to South Africa
SPRINGBOK Women 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. | Henk Kruger, Independent Newspapers 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).
NZ Herald
3 days ago
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Black Ferns XV face Springboks in South Africa tour ahead of World Cup
THE FACTS This week, the Black Ferns XV have named their squad to head to South Africa. It's a development side, scheduled to play two matches before the Springboks Women head to the World Cup. Tied up in this tour are a couple of clues about the upcoming Black Ferns'
Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Nine Matatu players in Black Ferns XV squad
Nine Matatu players have been named in the Black Ferns XV squad to tour South Africa later this month. Coach Willie Walker yesterday announced a 28-strong second-string national squad to play two games against the Springboks in Cape Town. Three of the five props - Marcelle Parkes, Maddi Robinson and Ashley Palu — played for Matatu in Super Rugby Aupiki this season. Outstanding flanker Lucy Jenkins, who made her test debut in the 2023 Pacific Four series, and rookie No 8 Fiaali'i Solomona are among the loose forwards. Outside backs Winnie Palamo, Hollyrae Mete-Renata and Kaea Nepia, and young first five Hannah King, are the Matatu representatives in the backs. Black Ferns XV selection could be a mixed blessing for King. It could mean she is missing out on the Black Ferns squad heading to England to defend their World Cup crown in August-September. The Black Ferns will name a squad of 32 on July 25, and leave on August 13. King, who has 10 test caps, came off the bench in all three Pacific Four tests earlier this year to replace captain Ruahei Demant. But with veteran Kelly Brazier back in the mix, Black Ferns coach Allan Bunting may feel he has enough cover at first five. That would be a tough blow for the woman nominated for World Rugby's breakthrough player of the year award last year. Veteran winger Ruby Tui is not in the second-string squad, which may mean she has made the World Cup cut. Bay of Plenty lock Holly Greenway will captain the Black Ferns XV, selected following a trial game against the national squad. Chiefs Manawa hooker Luka Connor is the senior hand with 24 test caps. Walker said the trial had been a successful exercise ahead of the trip to Cape Town. "The trial in Whangarei was an ideal build-up for this group and helpful in assessing players and combinations. "We've selected a strong squad and it's a huge opportunity for these players to experience a touring environment and to play against a tier one international opponent." The Black Ferns XV head to South Africa on Sunday. The games will both be played at the 34,000-seat Athlone Stadium in Cape Town, on July 26 and August 2. It is the first time a New Zealand women's team has played in South Africa. Black Ferns XV Forwards: Holly Greenway (captain), Luka Connor, Grace Leaso Gago, Jordan Tihore, Marcelle Parkes, Cheyenne Tuli-Fale, Maddi Robinson, Ashley Palu, Harono Te Iringa, Maama Vaipulu, Sam Taylor, Holly Greenway, Taufa Bason, Elinor-Plum King, Fiaali'i Solomona, Lucy Jenkins, Mia Anderson. Backs: Tara Turner, Reese Anderson, Hannah King, Keira Su'a Smith, Justine McGregor, Kelsey Teneti, Leilani Hakiwai, Winnie Palamo, Hollyrae Mete-Renata, Jaymie Kolose, Kaea Nepia, Mererangi Paul.
NZ Herald
12-07-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Black Ferns v Wallaroos live updates: World Champions host Australia for Laurie O'Reilly Cup
Live updates of the Laurie O'Reilly Cup clash between the Black Ferns and the Wallaroos in Wellington. As the Black Ferns prepare for their final test before World Cup selection, opportunity has presented itself to players still looking to stake their claim. A string of injuries have seen director of performance Allan Bunting turn to the depth in his squad for Saturday's test against the Wallaroos in Wellington, with matchday regulars Kate Henwood, Ayesha Leti-I'iga, Amy du Plessis, Maia Joseph, and Braxton Sorensen-McGee all unavailable. At fullback, Renee Holmes will make her first start of the season after appearing off the bench in last week's trial match against the Black Ferns XV, while Chelsea Bremner starts at lock and co-captain Alana Bremner moves to blindside flanker. Jorja Miller has been given the nod at openside flanker for the second time after some impressive performances since joining the squad from the sevens squad, with fellow sevens convert Risileaana Pouri-Lane again starting at halfback. On the bench, Ruby Tui is set to make her 20th test appearance after being added to the squad as injury cover this week, while first five-eighths Kelly Brazier will play in her first test since 2021. After an impressive outing for the Black Ferns XV last weekend, lock Laura Bayfield is in line to make her test debut off the bench. 'We're really looking forward to playing in front of our whānau and friends on Saturday. I want to take the time to thank everyone for coming out to support our home games this year. Your continued support is incredibly valuable to us as we embark on our Rugby World Cup journey in England next month,' Bunting said. With their selections, Alana Bremner, hooker Georgia Ponsonby, lock Maiakawanakaulani Roos, and first five-eighths Ruahei Demant become the only players to start every Black Ferns test this season. Midfielder Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai'i Sylvia Brunt and tighthead prop Tanya Kalounivale are the only other two players who will have featured in all four tests this season, with appearances in the starting line-up and off the bench. Black Ferns: 1. Chryss Viliko 2. Georgia Ponsonby 3. Tanya Kalounivale 4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos 5. Chelsea Bremner 6. Alana Bremner (cc) 7. Jorja Miller 8. Liana Mikaele-Tu'u 9. Risaleaana Pouri-Lane 10. Ruahei Demant (cc) 11. Katelyn Vahaakolo 12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai'i Sylvia Brunt 13. Stacey Waaka 14. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe 15. Renee Holmes. Bench: 16. Vici-Rose Green 17. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu 18. Amy Rule 19. Laura Bayfield 20. Layla Sae 21. Iritana Hohaia 22. Kelly Brazier 23. Ruby Tui.
Time Out
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Time Out
Springbok Women vs Black Ferns XV: What you need to know
There's nothing that brings South Africans together quite like sport – it's in our DNA. From the thrill of rugby and the rhythm of soccer to the precision of chess and the passion of cricket, sport is where our nation finds its heartbeat. And now, it's time to rally behind our Springbok Women as they go head-to-head with the New Zealand Black Ferns XV in two unmissable clashes at Athlone Stadium on 26 July and 2 August. We've got you covered with all the who, what, when, and where, so you don't miss out on the gees. View this post on Instagram A post shared by SA Women's Rugby (@womenboks) Match details: Venue: Athlone Stadium, Cross Blvd, Athlone, Cape Town Gates open: 3 pm Kick-off: 5 pm Seating Capacity: 24,200 Ticket price: Rugby in South Africa isn't just a sport – it's a celebration, a wave of euphoria that sweeps across the nation. But for many, the high cost of tickets can put the magic out of reach. Not this time. Tickets start at just R20, making it possible for more fans to experience the action, the atmosphere, and the pride of supporting our Springbok Women live. Leave these items at home: To ensure a safe and family-friendly atmosphere, the following items are not allowed inside the stadium: Alcohol Noise-making devices Selfie sticks Large umbrellas Glass containers Who's playing? The official team announcement is still on its way – keep your eyes glued to the Springbok Women's social media channels for the big reveal.
