Ubisi’s return adds steel as Springbok Women test combinations against Black Ferns XV

Springbok Women’s coach Swys de Bruin is staying one step ahead of the game. With the Rugby World Cup just weeks away, the Springbok Women’s coach has again shuffled his squad — not out of desperation, but design.

Several of the changes to the team to face the Black Ferns XV at Athlone Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 3 pm) were “pre-determined”, De Bruin explained, as he looks to test new combinations and offer game time across the wider training group.

IOL Sport’s Zaahier Adams reports that the big news is the return of powerhouse lock Vainah Ubisi, who has been named in the starting XV after a lengthy recovery from a knee injury.

Ubisi, a 2023 nominee for SA Rugby Women’s Player of the Year, is expected to bring physicality and leadership in the engine room after building back to fitness over the past two months.

“It's a big boost having Vaina back. Quite excited for her,” said assistant coach Franzel September.“I think Vaina has been part of the prep from June, I think, at Sass, with the group that stayed behind. So she was in and out with the group. So, I can't wait to see her go on Saturday.”

New look team

Only a few players have been retained from the side that faced Canada in Gqeberha. Captain Babalwa Latsha anchors the front row again, but otherwise, it’s a refreshed side with key positional shifts.

Among the backs, Nadine Roos returns to fullback and Eloise Webb moves back to outside centre — their more familiar roles after covering at scrumhalf and flyhalf respectively in the last Test. Libbie Janse van Rensburg and Tayla Kinsey now form the new halfback pairing.

On the wing, Maceala Samboya comes back into the fold, having last featured against England U20 during the team’s European tour earlier this year.

Ubisi joins Anathi Qolo in the second row, while Aseza Hele retains her spot at No 8, forming a new-look loose trio alongside Lerato Makua and Faith Tshauke.

Niggles enforced changes

De Bruin confirmed that some players — including Nolusindiso Booi, Sizophila Solontsi, Danelle Lochner, Byrhandré Dolf and Ayanda Malinga — were unavailable due to “niggles” sustained in the Canada Test.

“We wanted to make sure that everyone in the assembled group gets game time, while we also have the luxury of another match next weekend, where those with niggles can get a run as well,” De Bruin said.“We have made good strides this far, and we are improving. The Black Ferns XV will be tough opponents, but that is why we wanted them here."

He added, “We don’t play against the top sides enough, so like we were against Canada, we will be tested in numerous areas of the game. The coaching staff are keen to see how this group of players respond to the challenges that the New Zealand side will bring.”

Springbok Women’s team to face the Black Ferns XV in Cape Town:

Springbok Women (15–1): Nadine Roos, Jakkie Cilliers, Eloise Webb (vice-captain), Chumisa Qawe, Maceala Samboya, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Tayla Kinsey, Aseza Hele, Lerato Makua, Faith Tshauke, Anathi Qolo, Vainah Ubisi, Babalwa Latsha (captain), Micke Gunter, Sanelisiwe Charlie. Bench (16–23): Roseline Botes, Yonela Ngxingolo, Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Sinazo Mcatshulwa, Catha Jacobs, Mary Zulu, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Zintle Mpupha.