Latest news with #SpringbokWomen
IOL News
10 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Anathi Qolo embraces Springbok Women's leadership role ahead of Africa Cup
The Springbok Women are gearing up for a tough battle in the Africa Cup in Madagascar. Image: Henk Kruger, Independent Newspapers Springbok Women's skipper Anathi Qolo said being handed the armband for the 2025 Rugby Women's Africa Cup in Madagascar helped unlock hidden leadership potential. The Bulls Daisies lock will guide the SA team in the defence of their title at Stade Makis in Antananarivo that kicks off with Saturday's clash against Uganda (noon kickoff). Kenya and Madagascar are the other two teams taking part in the tournament. "I never thought that I have leadership skills in me until I got this opportunity to lead this brilliant pack," Qolo told Independent Media Sport exclusively this week. The number of experienced players included in the squad named on Friday will surely only help the new skipper find her feet. Qolo will captain a Springbok Women's side with a combined 174 caps in their opener against Uganda, with three uncapped players – Patience Mokone (wing), Faith Tshauke (No 8) and Anushka Groenewald (flanker) – included in the starting team for the Test at Stade Makis. A further five uncapped players have been named on the replacements' bench in props Anuchka Ekron and Sinothile Bhengu, lock Dineo Ndlhovu, flanker Nobuhle Mjwara and centre Leigh Fortuin. Fortuin and Mokone represented the Springbok Women's Sevens team earlier in the season, while all of the uncapped players, apart from Mjwara, also played for the Junior Springbok Women earlier in their careers. The Africa Cup squad of 28 trained under assistant coach Franzel September and Bafana Nhleko, while another group continued World Cup preparations under Springbok Women's performance coach Swys de Bruin and forwards coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt. "I'm happy with the preparations because the team has been progressing and focusing on the main job, which is to win Africa Cup," Qolo said. "Our set piece has been our main focus, together with our skillset. "Our biggest improvement has also been in the set piece because we've been focusing on that." Qolo is bracing for a fast and physical game, feeling it will take "effort, attitude and dedication" to retain their crown. "Heading to the World Cup it will mean a lot to me and my team as we're paving the way to a brighter future for South African rugby," she said. September agreed with his captain and said they are expecting a physical battle and some direct rugby. "What we saw in our analysis is that they are not scared to run with the ball, so there is an element of variety in their play, and they love doing quick taps from penalties,' he said. 'We prepared well and will be ready for everything they are going to throw at us.' The Springbok Women thrashed Uganda 63-3 in East London in September 2013 and 89-5 in Brakpan in August 2019. The Lady Cranes could be in for another torrid afternoon, with South Africa starting with five backs who represented the country at the previous Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in a sign of intent.
The Citizen
14 hours ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Three Springbok Women debutants to start in Rugby Africa opener
Anathi Qolo becomes the 11th Springbok Women's captain in history, while they have three debuts in their match 15 for their Rugby Africa opener. Anathi Qolo becomes the 11th Springbok Women captain in history and leads the team in their Rugby Africa opener against Uganda in Madagascar on Saturday. Picture: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images Anathi Qolo will captain a Springbok Women side with a combined 174 caps in their 2025 Rugby Africa Women's Cup opener against Uganda at the Stade Makis in Antananarivo, Madagascar on Saturday (kick-off 12pm). Three uncapped players, wing Patience Mokone and No 8 Faith Tshauke, both from the Bulls, and Anushka Groenewald, from Western Province, will be donning the green and gold for the first time. A further five uncapped players have been named on the replacements' bench in props Anuchka Ekron (WP) and Sinothile Bhengu (Sharks), lock Dineo Ndlhovu (Bulls), flanker Nobuhle Mjwara (Sharks) and centre Leigh Fortuin (WP). Fortuin and Mokone represented the Springbok Women's Sevens team earlier in the season, while all of the uncapped players, apart from Mjwara, also played for the Junior Springbok Women earlier in their careers. Sharks Women loose forward Mjwara was part of the Springbok Women WXV 2 training squad last year and attended recent alignment camps. In a serious show of intent, South Africa will start with five backs who represented the country at the previous Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, while Nomawethu Mabenge, who scored the team's first try of the tournament against France in their opener match in 2022, will come off the bench. For good measure, Mabenge was also the leading try scorer in the Madagascar tournament in 2023. 11th captain Qolo will become the 11th player to captain the Springbok Women in 21 years of international rugby and said she was happy with the preparations going into the first match. 'The squad have been progressing and focusing on the main job, which is to retain the trophy. Our set peace has been our main focus and if we add that to our skill set in the backs, we will deliver a good performance,' said Qolo. Springbok Women assistant coach Franzel September agreed with his captain and said they are expecting a physical battle and some direct rugby. 'What we saw in our analysis is that they are not scared to run with the ball, so there is an element of variety in their play, and they love doing quick taps from penalties. We prepared well and will be ready for everything they are going to throw at us,' explained September. 'We know what we want to do and how to do it, and we pride ourselves in our set-piece to secure go forward ball and that will not change just because we have some new players in the squad.' 'Some players will be desperate to impress with Rugby World Cup selection on the horizon, but we will look at how players compliment and strengthen the system, rather than them doing individual things.' Springbok women's XV Byrhandrѐ Dolf, Simamkele Namba, Chuma Qawe, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Patience Mokone, Mary Zulu, Unam Tose, Faith Tshauke, Lerato Makua, Anushka Groenewald, Anathi Qolo, Nomsa Mokwai, Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Luchell Hanekom, Xoliswa Khuzwayo Bench: Roseline Botes, Anuchka Ekron, Sinothile Bhengu, Dineo Ndlhovu, Nobuhle Mjwara, Felicia Jacobs, Leigh Fortuin, Nomawethu Mabenge
IOL News
19 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Bok Women only thinking of Stade Makis job in Madagascar as World Cup appoaches
Springbok Women's centre Aphiwe Ngwevu playing for Border during the 2019 Women's Interprovincial A League Final against Western Province. Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix Springbok Women's centre Aphiwe Ngwevu is among the most experienced players in the squad doing duty in Antananarivo. | BackpagePix The cities of Northampton and York may be oceans apart from Antananarivo, but for the Springbok Women, their arrival in Madagascar's capital for the Rugby Africa Women's Cup is all part of the journey to destination Rugby World Cup in England in August and September. For the coaching staff, it is all about consistency – not only on the field, but off it as well – in order to do justice to the well-planned structure of their 2025 season, something Springbok Women assistant coach Bafana Nhleko said is very important. 'We are building a spine, so consistency is key to our performance and theme,' Nhleko said soon after the team touched down in Madagascar. South Africa kick off their campaign against Uganda on Saturday and Nhleko and fellow coach Franzel September arrived on the back of a solid week of preparation by the squad in Johannesburg. The most experienced of those 28 players is Aphiwe Ngwevu, who has played in 24 Tests, including last year's Rugby Africa Women's Cup, where the Springbok Women qualified for the Rugby World Cup as continental champions. Ngwevu's role will be instrumental to the consistency the coaches are looking for, and for the Border Ladies player, it is something she is looking forward to. 'This tournament is important to me and to the team,' said Ngwevu.'I must prove myself in my position and make sure I play my role as a centre, cross the advantage line and provide forward momentum for our attack.' The Bok Women's midfielder has had to overcome setbacks before and her inclusion into the 2022 Rugby World Cup squad came with huge personal challenges, so she does not mind doing it all over again: 'This trip will not be easy, but we will do our best and bring our physical game as always.' Ngewvu delivered a powerful performance in the team's last Test, against Spain in Bonalba, and was named Player of the Match after impressive work on attack and defence. She had a 100 percent completion rate on defence and her 12 ball carries gained 110 metres, with six defenders beaten, but she is looking ahead rather than living in the past: 'I can only give my best and leave nothing out there. The rest is not in my control.' Springbok Women Rugby Africa Women's Cup fixtures (SA times, all matches at Stade Makis, Antananarivo): June 7: Uganda (12pm) June 11: Kenya (12pm) June 15: Madagascar (2pm)
IOL News
3 days ago
- General
- IOL News
Franzel September highlights key role for Rugby Africa Women's Cup in Bok World Cup plan
South Africa's Lerato Makua looking to show readiness to step onto the biggest stage again after injury, by shining at the Rugby Africa Women's Cup in Madagascar. For Springbok Women's assistant coach Franzel September, the forthcoming Rugby Africa Women's Cup is vital preparation for the World Cup, not just an unwelcome distraction on the road to the showpiece in England in August and September. It is also an opportunity for those on the fringes of selection to make a late push for inclusion in the World Cup squad. The Springboks jet off to Madagascar tomorrow to take part in the tournament at Stade Makis in Antananarivo that also features the hosts, Uganda and Kenya. The South African women open the tournament with a match against Uganda in Saturday. "This is all part of our prep for the World Cup, this is our next stop," September said. "In the last few years that we've travelled to Madgascar it wasn't easy – an away game is never easy – but we try to stick to what works for us. "It will always be a challenge playing in Africa. The conditions are different. I can remember that you need to travel about 20 or 30 minutes to get to the playing field so it's always a challenge. But we're up for the challenge because we know that we need to get past that. So it's important for us to stay glued to our systems." September lists the recent European tour and the coming matches against Canada and the Black Ferns as other World Cup building blocks. "If you look at our squad we've got eight players that have played in the previous World Cup, so we're excited to see what they can do. Every opportunity we can get for playing minutes is important, especially for the women's game."
Daily Maverick
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
Uncharted territory — Springbok Women aim for their first World Cup quarterfinal spot
Coach Swys de Bruin is thinking outside the box to reach uncharted territory at the Rugby World Cup in England later this year. On 14 May, there were exactly 100 days to go before the start of the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup. The tournament, which starts on 22 August and will be hosted by England, is one of the most significant in South African women's rugby history. The teams are as competitive as ever, the structures are the best yet and the coaching staff, led by Swys de Bruin, possess some of the best rugby knowledge in the country. 'Certain things are getting there,' De Bruin said about the improvements he has seen in the Springbok Women since taking the reins in August 2024. 'I have a fantastic coaching staff, which helps a lot. The support structure, from our manager, the medical part – everyone is pulling their weight big time.' The goal is for a South African women's rugby side to reach the quarterfinal stage of a World Cup for the first time. To do that they need to win two of their pool-stage matches. France, Italy and Brazil are in their group. 'It's easy for me; the [support staff] make my job so easy,' De Bruin said. 'But it's all words – we have to do it now. We didn't win a game at the [previous] World Cup. We have to start pulling wins off.' South Africa should overcome Brazil (who are ranked 33rd in the world), but they are not taking the South American side lightly. 'We can't underestimate Brazil,' the coach said. 'They have their sevens players back now and they're strong. The World Cup teams are all strong.' South Africa will be targeting the match against Italy at the quadrennial event. Italy are ranked eighth in the world, four places ahead of South Africa. The Springbok Women have recent experience playing against them, losing 19-23 in a tightly fought match at Athlone Stadium in the WXV2 competition in October 2024. It was a match in which the spirit of the Bok Women was on display as they trailed 7-17 at half-time. They fought back hard in the second half, but a final ball failing to go to hand denied them victory. 'It was really one pass away from a famous victory… it was very close,' De Bruin said. 'Italy has improved as well. They did so well in the Six Nations. They [nearly] upset France and France is a big dog. We know we're going to have to turn every stone and bring our A-game if we want a positive result.' Italy ended the Six Nations in fourth place, securing victories over Scotland and Wales and suffering three losses, to Ireland, England and France. Star player The Springbok Women's Sevens squad fell at the final hurdle at the World Championships in Los Angeles at the start of May, which ended their quest for a spot in the second division of the SVNS circuit. The team members who played in the knockout matches were inexperienced and lost 14-17 to Kenya in the final. Nadine Roos, whose unrelenting attitude dragged the team to the final in the first place, was at the heart of all the excellent work achieved, including scoring one try, setting up another and converting both. De Bruin now has the services of the talented playmaker available as the team build towards the Rugby World Cup, along with a few other young players, including skilful youngster Leigh Fortuin. 'It's always good,' De Bruin said about the sevens players returning to 15s. 'Their skill level is high. Their conditioning is good. I always love when the sevens players come back.' De Bruin's approach to get the most out of Roos, who so often is the gamebreaker in 15s rugby as well, is to get her as close to the action as possible. 'She plays in the spine,' De Bruin explained. 'The spine for me is [numbers] nine, 10 or 15. She enjoys all three [positions]. When I played her at nine, she looked very dangerous. With our counterattack system that we're training and working a lot on now, she works very well at 15.' Roos started her international career on the wing before donning the fullback jersey. Last season, when regular No 10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg moved to the back, was the first time Roos played as flyhalf for the national team. The pair have played together in the sevens and 15s circuit since their days of playing together at the University of Pretoria. 'In any case, the style I attack and the way we want to play, the 10 and the 15, they swap roles like [Handré] Pollard and Willie le Roux,' De Bruin said. 'We do a similar sort of thing. Both players are back when they kick to us and the counterattack starts with both of them.' De Bruin explained that Roos will be back at fullback as her primary position this season, but she will cover flyhalf and scrumhalf as alternative options. 'She can play anywhere – [we don't want] to stuff her around too much,' he said. '[No] 15 will be the priority, and then 10 she's very good and in a crisis we can play her at nine, you never know. 'Rassie [Erasmus] took four scrumhalves to the World Cup, so we might take three.' Final preparation As the preparation for the Rugby World Cup continues, the side's resources will be split. South Africa will play in the Rugby Africa Women's Cup next month against Uganda, Kenya and Madagascar. In the three years since 2019 that the tournament has taken place, the Bok Women have won it. This time, the brains trust has decided to send a slightly less-experienced side, led by lock forward Anathi Qolo. De Bruin won't be at the tournament, which will be hosted in Madagascar, and either assistant coach Bafana Nhleko or Franzel September will take over the reins temporarily. Apart from the Rugby Africa Women's Cup, the Springbok Women will play four friendlies before the World Cup, which will be the true test of how far they have come. They will take on No 2-ranked side Canada in two matches and a Black Ferns XV in New Zealand in the other two. It's the first time De Bruin has coached a women's side, and after eight months at the helm he is starting to figure out how to get his team going for the big matches – which every match is until the conclusion of the World Cup. 'It's fantastic. I'm very blessed to do it,' De Bruin said about his time in the hot seat. 'It's totally different. When they're happy they play [well]. If you give them tons and tons of confidence, they excel. If you do it with men, they get overconfident and you get a hammering.' De Bruin will look to instil this confidence in his side in their quest to reach uncharted territory in England in August. DM This story first appeared in our weekly Daily Maverick 168 newspaper, which is available countrywide for R35.
