Springbok Women confirm changes for quarter-final
Nadine Roos of South Africa
Babalwa Latsha will captain the Springbok Women for the first time at a Women’s Rugby World Cup when they face France in their Pool D decider at Franklin’s Gardens on Sunday.
Latsha, South Africa’s most capped prop, is one of only two forwards retained from the starting side that beat Italy in York last weekend.
Head coach Swys de Bruin has made several adjustments. Mary Zulu (fly-half) and Anathi Qolo (lock) will both make their Rugby World Cup debuts in the starting XV.
In the pack, Qolo joins Vainah Ubisi in the second row. The bench also features players making their first appearances of the tournament: Luchell Hanekom (hooker), Xoliswa Khuzwayo (prop), Nomsa Mokwai (lock) and Faith Tshauke (loose forward).
In the backline, only Chumisa Qawe remains in the same position as last week. Byrhandré Dolf shifts to fullback, while Nadine Roos takes over at scrum-half. Veteran Tayla Kinsey is set to win her 41st cap off the bench, marking her third Rugby World Cup campaign.
De Bruin confirmed that the changes were part of a plan to give all 32 squad members match time before the knockout stages, with the team already qualified for the quarter-finals.
“We wanted every player to get an opportunity by the end of the pool stage, so everyone is prepared and in contention for the quarter-final,” he explained.
The rotation was also guided by medical advice to manage player workloads, resting senior names like Nolusindiso Booi, Danelle Lochner, Sanelisiwe Charlie, and Libbie Janse van Rensburg.
Looking ahead to the French challenge, de Bruin praised their attacking style but pointed out potential areas where South Africa can apply pressure.
“We identified chances in the scrums and with a kicking strategy that may disrupt their structure,” he said. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for our team to be tested against one of the world’s best.”
South Africa XV: Byrhandré Dolf, Jakkie Cilliers, Eloise Webb, Chumisa Qawe, Maceala Samboya, Mary Zulu, Nadine Roos, Aseza Hele, Catha Jacobs, Lerato Makua, Anathi Qolo, Vainah Ubisi, Babalwa Latsha (captain), Micke Gunter, Yonela Ngxingolo
Reserves: Luchell Hanekom, Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Nomsa Mokwai, Faith Tshauke, Sinazo Mcatshulwa, Tayla Kinsey, Aphiwe Ngwevu
