Experienced hands return; others ruled out

The squad will also be buoyed by the return of Kyla de Vries and Zandile Masuku, both of whom have recovered from injuries and bring with them the composure of World Series experience. Head coach Renfred Dazel knows that their inclusion adds balance and depth to the team.

But it’s not all smooth sailing. The team will miss three key players –Kayla Swarts, Felicia Jacobs, and Leigh Fortuin – due to injuries, and Alicia Willemse has been drafted into the 15s setup ahead of the Springbok Women’s tour to France and Spain.

Despite the setbacks, Dazel remains confident:

“We are in a good position but cannot take anything for granted,” he said on Thursday. “I am happy for Patience, who has shown excellent form this season, and Vianca, who gets her chance after some injury issues earlier in the year. Kyla and Zandile also played in the World Series last year, so we are well equipped to deal with three tough opponents in the pool stages.”

The mission: qualify for Los Angeles

South Africa currently sits second on the Challenger Series log. Only the top four teams after the Krakow tournament will qualify for the final showdown in Los Angeles, where they’ll face off against the bottom four teams from the HSBC SVNS Series for a coveted core-status spot next season.

For many of these players, Los Angeles isn’t just another destination – it’s a symbol of progress, a sign that the team is moving closer to rubbing shoulders with the best in the world on a consistent basis.

Dazel believes the squad is capable of getting the job done:

“We’re fortunate to have the spine of the team that played in Cape Town. We’ve prepared well and are focused. This squad has what it takes.”

Sevens veterans ready to lead

Captain Mathrin Simmers, the ever-reliable Rights Mkhari, and the explosive Zintle Mpupha will anchor the team, while the pace of Nadine Roos and Ayanda Malinga will be crucial in tight matchups.

The team faces a tricky pool, drawn alongside hosts Poland, Czechia, and Argentina. The matches will take place on Friday, 11 April, at the Henryk Reyman’s Municipal Stadium in Krakow:

SA Pool Fixtures:

11.34am vs Poland
3.04pm vs Czechia
6.12pm vs Argentina

Looking ahead

Once their sevens duties are complete, Roos, Mpupha, and Malinga will link up with the Springbok Women’s 15s squad, continuing a demanding yet inspiring calendar that reflects the growing strength and ambition of women’s rugby in South Africa.

As Mokone and Boer prepare for their first runout, the team’s journey to Poland is more than just a tournament – it’s a statement of intent, an opportunity to inspire the next generation, and a chance to prove that South African women’s rugby is ready for the world stage.

And for the two rookies set to debut, it’s the start of something special.

Springbok Women’s Sevens Squad for Poland: Rights Mkhari, Zandile Masuku, Kemisetso Baloyi, Kyla de Vries, Zintle Mpupha, Shiniqwa Lamprecht, Mathrin Simmers (captain), Vianca Boer , Nadine Roos, Ayanda Malinga, Maria Tshiremba, Patience Mokone

#womens-sevens

Mokone and Boer embark on their Springbok journey in Poland, aiming for Los Angeles Sevens