South Africa W v Canada W – Teams and Prediction
PREVIEW: It’s not only the Springboks that are in action this weekend at Loftus Versfeld.
The Springbok Women also face one of their toughest matches of the year on Saturday.
South Africa take on World Rugby’s second-ranked side, Canada, at Loftus Versfeld.
The fixture is not only a curtain-raiser for the Springboks versus Italy, but it is also the first time the two countries will go head-to-head on South African soil.
“It’s a brilliant move by SA Rugby. The ladies are suddenly role models, and there is a big buzz around them,” Springbok Women High Performance coach Swys de Bruin told reporters.
“Loftus is a place to play a Test, and it’s a big game.
“We’re already edgy – especially me – and I want them to be true professionals, which they are.”
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The last time the two teams faced each other, Canada recorded a comfortable 66-7 win on March 23, 2023, in Spain.
But a lot has changed since then.
De Bruin took over the reins as High Performance coach in August. His appointment saw Bafana Nhleko join the coaching staff alongside Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September, and they have gradually developed the team.
The side recorded a victory over a star-laden Barbarians team for the first time, and also beat Spain and Japan in 2024. They came close to snatching a draw against Australia and were within one score of securing a famous win over Italy during last year’s WXV 2.
They were also crowned Rugby Africa Champions for a fourth time.
And although the Bok Women, ranked 12th in the world, are fully aware that Canada are the favourites, De Bruin and his team have embraced the challenge, seeing it as another crucial step in their preparations for the World Cup, which kicks off in August.
The team have not yet won a single match at a World Cup and were eliminated at the group stage in the 2021 edition – played in 2022 due to the COVID pandemic.
“We are testing some combinations,” said De Bruin, who named a very experienced side for the clash.
Eight players in the starting lineup ran out as starters the last time South Africa faced Canada.
“After half-time you’ll see one or two different hookers or halfback pairings. Our subs will come on and test combinations as well.
“It’s all about us. It’s a big hurdle, but the aim is the World Cup. We have not won a game at the World Cup, and we want to make the quarters. We understand the challenges, and this is all preparation.”
He added: “Canadians love their kicking game. Their flyhalf, nine, and 15 have strong boots.
“Like us, they enjoy mauling and are amazingly skilled. That’s the challenge our players know is coming.”
Canada head coach Kevin Rouet will use this outing to build depth.
They will be captained by Alexandra Tessier.
The roster includes two players – Fabiola Forteza and Justine Pelletier – who won the France Elite 1 championship with Stade Bordelais at the end of May.
Starting in the front row are two players competing in their 30th cap for Canada: Gillian Boag and McKinley Hunt.
Canmore’s Holly Phillips, who played in the PWR semifinals this season with the Bristol Bears, could make her debut for Canada off the bench.
“These next two matches in South Africa will be a fantastic opportunity to build depth and confidence among the squad, and for the players to showcase themselves with the World Cup coming up quickly,” said Rouet.
“Saturday will be about focusing on the style of game we want to play going forward and all the small details that come with that.”
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Players to watch:
For South Africa: Nadine Roos is always a player who makes a big impact. The playmaker will don the No.15 jersey this weekend, while Bulls Daisies star Libbi Janse van Rensburg is a 10. Zintle Mpupha returns to the starting XV and partners with the inform Chumisa Qawe in the midfield. In the pack, Aseza Hele is a strong carrier at No.8, while the second row of Danelle Lochner and captain Nolusindiso Booi will be crucial.
For Canada: The experienced front row of McKinley Hunt, Gillian Boag and DaLeaka Menin could pose a tough task for the Springboks’ pack. The flyhalf not only has a great kicking game but she is fast and has a lethal step. She partners with Olivia Apps in the halfback. The experienced Alysha Corrigan is known for her strong attacking game.
Prediction:
Rugby365: Canada by seven points
Teams:
South Africa Women: 15 Nadine Roos, 14 Jakkie Cilliers, 13 Zintle Mpupha, 12 Chumisa Qawe, 11 Ayanda Malinga, 10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg, 9 Tayla Kinsey, 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Sinazo Mcatshulwa, 6 Sizophila Solontsi, 5 Danelle Lochner,
4 Nolusindiso Booi (captain), 3 Babalwa Latsha, 2 Micke Gunter, 1 Sanelisiwe Charlie.
Replacements: 16 Luchell Hanekom, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 19 Nomsa Mokwai, 20 Lerato Makua, 21 Catha Jacobs, 22 Byrhandré Dolf, 23 Eloise Webb.
Canada: 15 Julia Schell, 14 Alysha Corrigan, 13 Florence Symonds, 12 Alexandra Tessier, 11 Fancy Bermudez, 10 Taylor Perry, 9 Olivia Apps, 8 Gabrielle Senft, 7 Fabiola Forteza, 6 Laetitia Royer, 5 Courtney O’Donnell, 4 Caroline Crossley, 3 DaLeaka Menin, 2 Gillian Boag, 1 McKinley Hunt.
Replacements: 16 Holly Phillips, 17 Mikiela Nelson, 18 Rori Wood, 19 Rachel Smith, 20 Tyson Beukeboom, 21 Pamphinette Buisa, 22 Justine Pelletier, 23 Shoshanah Seumanutafa
Date: Saturday, July 5
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 13.30 (11.30 GMT; 07.30 Canada time)
Referee: Clara Munarini (Italy)
Assistant Referees: Precious Pazani (Zimbabwe), Zoe Naude (South Africa)
TMO: Egon Seconds (South Africa)
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