By Kevin Rademeyer.
The Springbok Women are gearing up for one of their most formidable challenges in recent years as they prepare to face world number two Canada in a two-match Test series, with preparations formally kicking off this Sunday in Johannesburg.
A 26-player squad, rich in international experience, has been named by performance coach Swys de Bruin. The first Test will take place on Saturday, 5 July at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, followed by the second on 12 July at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha. Both fixtures will serve as curtain-raisers to the Springboks’ men’s clashes against Italy in the Castle Lager Incoming Series.
With the Rugby World Cup looming, De Bruin emphasised the strategic significance of the series. “Canada are ranked second in the world and have shown their quality in the Pacific Four Series. We are twelfth. This is exactly the sort of test we need to gauge ourselves physically and tactically ahead of the World Cup,” he said.
Canada’s recent form highlights the size of the task facing South Africa. The North Americans beat Australia 45-7 in Brisbane, drew 27-27 with New Zealand in Christchurch, and defeated the USA 26-14 in Kansas City.
The Springbok squad includes 16 forwards and 10 backs, with regular captain Nolusindiso Booi, the most capped player in the team’s history, once again leading from the front. Among the forwards, only Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Luchell Hanekom and Danelle Lochner did not feature at the last Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
The backs are equally seasoned. Nine of the 10 selected were part of the 2021 World Cup campaign, with Byrhandré Dolf the sole newcomer in terms of World Cup experience. Yet Dolf has been a constant presence since, featuring in all 20 Tests played since the last World Cup. Her debut came in a heavy 66-7 loss to Canada in Madrid in March 2023—the last meeting between these sides.
Six players from the squad that recently secured the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Antananarivo, Mdliki, Hanekom, Nomsa Mokwai, Lerato Makua, Unam Tose and Dolf, have been retained, with De Bruin noting their recent performances in Madagascar influenced their inclusion.
Thirteen players are on standby for the second Test, with 11 set to continue their training at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport and two more—Anathi Qolo and Faith Tshauke training with the Bulls Daisies in Pretoria. Rights Mkhari and Lusanda Dumke remain sidelined pending medical clearance.
Following the Canada series, the Bok Women will take on New Zealand’s Black Ferns XV at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on 26 July and 2 August, with both matches scheduled to kick off at 17h00.
Springbok Women squad:
Forwards: Sanelisiwe Charlie, Yonela Ngxingolo, Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Babalwa Latsha, Azisa Mkiva, Luchell Hanekom, Micke Gunter, Lindelwa Gwala, Nolusindiso Booi, Nomsa Mokwai, Danelle Lochner, Catha Jacobs, Sinazo Mcatshulwa, Lerato Makua, Sizophila Solontsi, Aseza Hele
Backs: Unam Tose, Tayla Kinsey, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Chumisa Qawe, Zintle Mpupha, Eloise Webb, Ayanda Malinga, Jakkie Cilliers, Nadine Roos, Byrhandré Dolf