Bok Women bank on experience as Dubai showdown looms

EXPERIENCE, depth, and belief will underpin the Springbok Women’s Sevens campaign in Dubai as they chase survival and a route back to the elite ranks of the HSBC SVNS.

Head coach Cecil Afrika has named a settled squad of 12 for this weekend’s decisive World Rugby Challenger Series tournament at the Sevens Stadium, fully aware of what is at stake. The South Africans must reach the final on 17 and 18 January to progress to SVNS 2, the next step in their bid to regain core status in the World Series.

Afrika admitted the final selection was not easy, following an intense training block at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport, while much of the rugby world enjoyed a break. However, he is convinced the chosen group is ready to deliver when it matters most.

“The commitment from the wider squad over the past few weeks was outstanding,” Afrika said. “Everyone understood the importance of this tournament. The players selected now carry that responsibility for the whole group, and with the experience we have, I am confident in our chances.”

The coach, who took charge in November, stressed that the team’s focus remains firmly on execution rather than external pressure.

“We are clear on our standards and our processes. If we stay true to those and focus on how we play, the results will follow,” he said.

Afrika has opted for continuity, selecting the same squad that lifted the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens title in Kenya two months ago, a triumph that secured their place in Dubai. Nadine Roos once again captains the side, supported by seasoned campaigners such as Zintle Mpupha, Byrhandré Dolf, and Ayanda Malinga, all of whom now carry more match fitness after returning from the Women’s Rugby World Cup.

There is also encouragement in the continued recovery of Simamkele Namba and Liske Lategan, who have had additional time to regain sharpness following long-term injuries.

South Africa will compete in Pool A alongside Mexico, Czechia, and Thailand on Saturday, while Pool B features Argentina, Colombia, Poland, and Samoa. Only the two finalists on Sunday will advance to the three-leg SVNS 2 series in Nairobi, Montevideo, and Sao Paulo.

For the Bok Women, Dubai represents more than just another tournament. It is a defining moment in their journey back to the top tier of women’s sevens rugby.

Springbok Women’s Sevens squad for Dubai: Leigh Fortuin, Asisipho Plaatjies, Patience Mokone, Zintle Mpupha, Maria Tshiremba, Nadine Roos (captain), Byrhandré Dolf, Liske Lategan, Simamkele Namba, Vianca Boer, Shiniqwa Lamprecht, and Ayanda Malinga.

Pool schedule (SA times), Saturday 17 January: 09h06 vs Mexico 12h22 vs Czechia 15h38 vs Thailand