Springbok Women bank on experience for World Cup opener against Brazil

The world is currently immersed in international rugby, with the Southern Hemisphere rocking to the rhythm of the Rugby Championship. Rugby fans are being spoiled!

However, the men’s game will take a bit of a back seat in the next few weeks as the Women’s Rugby World Cup takes centre stage.

In fact, the Springbok Women will open their Rugby World Cup 2025 campaign on Sunday with a squad carrying significant Test and tournament experience when they face Brazil at Franklin’s Garden in Northampton.

Only four players in the starting XV – Byrhandré Dolf, Maceala Samboya, Ayanda Malinga and Danelle Lochner – have yet to feature in a World Cup. Among the replacements, Vainah Ubisi and Nombuyekezo Mdliki are the only uncapped players at this level.

The rest of the match-day squad have all played in a global showpiece.

Familiar combinations

Several combinations remain from South Africa’s opening match against France at the 2022 World Cup in Auckland. Zintle Mpupha and Aphiwe Ngwevu continue their midfield partnership, while the loose forward trio of Aseza Hele, Sinazo Mcatshulwa and Sizophila Solontsi also return. 

The front row of Sanelisiwe Charlie, Lindelwa Gwala and Babalwa Latsha, along with halfbacks Nadine Roos and Libbie Janse van Rensburg, bring further continuity.

Captain Nolusindiso Booi once again anchors the second row. Catha Jacobs and Unam Tose, both on the bench in 2022, reprise those roles in Northampton.

Head coach Swys de Bruin said the selection balances experience with form.

“Yes, we have good experience in the squad, but we also selected the team for this match based on form, combinations and more importantly, the way we need to play to be successful,” said De Bruin.

“Brazil may be the lowest ranked team in the tournament, but they have every right to be here and will come with all guns blazing. We have focussed on our way and style of play in recent weeks and that will remain our mindset until Sunday. Of course there is a wider approach, but for us, it is all about this weekend. We need to get a strong start to this tournament and build from there.”

Records on the line

Booi will extend her record as the most capped Springbok Women’s player with 52 Tests, as well as her captaincy record of 25.

Latsha, Gwala and Mcatshulwa will also add to their positional appearance records, while Janse van Rensburg (209 points) and Mpupha (20 tries) could further extend their scoring tallies.

But Booi was clear that the focus is collective.

“The last thing we can afford in this opener is us going away from our strengths, game plan and focus,” said Booi.

“Brazil have included several of their sevens stars, and they would want a loose, unstructured game with lots of space. That is the opposite to our approach this weekend. We need to be measured as a unit and execute when we create opportunities. Our last match we played provided us with the proof what we are at our best when we play as a team and in our structures. So, we have a clear understanding of what we need to do.”

Looking ahead to her fourth World Cup, Booi reflected on how far the game has come, as well as how far it could potentially go.

“Not only the way the game grew around the world, but also in our country and this team,” she said. “We have not been this well-prepared and looked after since I can remember, so it is now our turn to justify that input and deliver performances that will elevate the game even further back home.”

Match-day squad

Springbok Women (15-1): Byrhandré Dolf, Maceala Samboya, Zintle Mpupha, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Ayanda Malinga, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Nadine Roos, Aseza Hele, Sinazo Mcatshulwa, Sizophila Solontsi, Danelle Lochner, Nolusindiso Booi (captain), Babalwa Latsha (vice-captain), Lindelwa Gwala, Sanelisiwe Charlie. Replacements (16-23): Micke Gunter, Yonela Ngxingolo, Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Vainah Ubisi, Lerato Makua, Catha Jacobs, Unam Tose, Jakkie Cilliers.