Laurian Johannes-Haupt, Springbok Women’s coach. Picture: SA Rugby
Rowan Callaghan
Utility forward Sinelitha Noxeke of the Bulls Daisies was a late withdrawal from the week-long Springbok Women training camp in Stellenbosch as they kick-started their preparations for the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England in August.
The South Africans will be looking to build on their performance in last year’s WXV2 tournament in Cape Town, where they impressively beat the higher-ranked Japan 31-24 in their opener, with a master-class in grit and determination on defence, before losing 36-23 to eventual champions Australia and 23-19 against Italy in a nail-biter that ended their title hopes.
Judging by the way they have started their World Cup preparations, the Bok Women are determined to become more of a force to be reckoned with on the biggest stage of all.
“It’s the beginning of our camp, and the girls are looking sharp and that’s surprising, seeing that we just came through a festive season.
But the girls are ready to go, and it doesn’t seem like they lost anything over the holidays and looking sharp,” Springbok Women assistant coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt told Independent Media Sport on Monday.
She confirmed that Noxeke didn’t make it to the camp after picking up a late injury at her union.
“But other than that, the camp is quite settled, with a lot of experience and a lot of new players as well.”
Despite the impressive win over Japan in that WXV2 opener on home soil, the Bok Women did let the Japanese back into the game with two tries off the back of mauls by No.8 Seina Saito, and that will be one area that may need attention in camp.
A significant announcement for Laurian Johannes-Haupt and the #BokWomen, with the first squad of 2025 named - more here: https://t.co/bcrTDRozsw 💚💛#MakeItCount #ETTIG
— SA Women's Rugby (@WomenBoks) January 10, 2025
Asked what areas she felt the Boks would need to improve on, Johannes-Haupt – who is now a full-time coach with SA Rugby and has given up her teaching career – said: “Going into the World Cup, we definitely want to pick up the pace, and do things better and just remodel our game.
“As the European teams will obviously get better, we also want to get better at what we do, and we just want to get sharper in executing what our plans are.”
The training squad consists of 20 forwards and 17 backs.
Vainah Ubisi and Rights Mkhari are recovering from injuries, while overseas-based players Sinazo Mcatshulwa (France), Danelle Lochner, Babalwa Latsha, Lindelwa Gwala and Catha Jacobs (all England) were not considered as they are busy with club commitments.
Springbok Women Training Squad
Props: Sanelisiwe Charlie, Yonela Ngxingolo, Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Aliyah Tchogna Njamen, Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Azisa Mkiva, Anita Tom
Hookers: Roseline Botes, Luchell Hanekom, Bronishia Hess, Micke Gunter
Locks: Nolusindiso Booi, Nomsa Mokwai, Dineo Ndhlovu
Loose forwards: Lusanda Dumke, Sizophila Solontsi, Faith Tshauke, Aseza Hele
Utility forwards: Nobuhle Mjwara, Anathi Qolo
Scrumhalves: Tayla Kinsey, Unam Tose, Felicia Jacobs, Alicia Willemse
Flyhalves: Nadine Roos, Mary Zulu, Libbie Janse van Rensburg
Centres: Zintle Mpupha, Chumisa Qawe, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Veroeshka Grain
Outside backs: Ayanda Malinga, Nomawethu Mabenge, Shaunique Hess
Utility backs: Jakkie Cilliers, Byrhandré Dolf, Eloise Webb
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