Fiji Women v Springbok Women - teams and prediction
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It’s an incredible moment for both Fiji and South Africa as the Fijiana XV prepare to host the Springbok Women for the first time on home soil.
With the inaugural Ubuntu-Bula Trophy up for grabs, the occasion extends beyond the result. It marks another significant milestone in the growing rivalry between two emerging forces in the women’s game.
While the history books will remember the venue and the occasion, both teams know the real battle will be decided over 80 bruising minutes at HFC Bank Stadium.
New era for Fiji
The hosts enter the series under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Willie Walker, who arrives with an outstanding coaching résumé and a proven track record in New Zealand women’s rugby.
Walker transformed the Blues Women into the dominant force in Super Rugby Aupiki, guiding the franchise to three consecutive titles between 2024 and 2026 after taking charge during the competition’s inaugural season in 2021.
His most recent success came with victory over the NSW Waratahs in a hard-fought trans-Tasman clash in Sydney.
Speaking after his appointment, Walker said he is eager to embrace the challenge.
“It is a privilege to be entrusted with leading the Fijiana XV.
“Fiji has an incredible rugby culture and a talented group of athletes with enormous potential. I look forward to working with the players, management and Fiji Rugby to continue building a high-performance environment that inspires success and makes the people of Fiji proud.”
Walker will be very familiar with South Africa, having coached the Black Ferns XV during last year’s two-test series against Bok Women in Cape Town.
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Bok Women continue their World Cup build-up
For South Africa, the tour represents another important step in their preparations following a 1-1 series draw against the USA.
The Springbok Women will have a new captain in Libbie Janse van Rensburg, while Shiniqwa Lamprecht is set to earn her Test debut.
Assistant coach Franzel September believes the squad is fully aligned in its pursuit of continued growth.
“The hospitality we have received has been great and we truly appreciate it – we were really struck by the friendliness and kindness shown to us,” said September.
“That said, we remind ourselves every day that we are here to play two Test matches; we are not on vacation. Come tomorrow, when we pull on those jerseys to represent the Springbok Women and South Africa, we accept the responsibility that comes with that.
“We are going onto that field representing everyone back home, be it family, supporters or sponsors, and we owe it to all of them to give our absolute best. That is non-negotiable within this squad, and everybody has bought into that.”
September said there is a clear bond and understanding between the players and the coaching staff.
“The preparation for this tour did not start here. We worked very hard back home as well to make sure our game plan was ready, there was clarity in our roles and responsibilities, and that there is trust from the coaches that the players will go out and execute it.
“We will back the players to make the correct decisions, just as I think they back the coaches when calling certain plays. Whether we go for poles or kick for touch, the bottom line is to stop them from scoring and gaining momentum.”
The two sides have met only once before, at the 2022 Women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, where Fiji snatched victory with the final play of the match. However, September said they know exactly what the current Fiji squad will bring and that discipline will be key.
“Fiji play a good game, much of it based on momentum, so our job will be to stop them in their tracks,” he said.
“For that we need to be connected as one and play as such. Yes, they will have the crowd behind them, but we can also win them over if we succeed in imposing our style of play on them. We also have plenty to offer.
“Our physicality must come to the fore in everything we do, but in a disciplined manner. One of our targets going into 2029 is to become the most disciplined team in the world, and those building blocks start here.
“We have not encountered our match referee before, but it does not matter who applies the laws—they remain the same. We need to be the most disciplined team on the field, and that is it.”
On the playing conditions, September added:
“Due to the stadium’s location on the coast, some windy conditions can be expected, and we have also experienced light showers during the week, so that is another possibility.
“One adjustment we needed to make was with the match ball, as we will revert to a size-five ball after playing all our provincial matches and the Tests against the USA with a 4.5-size ball.”
Prediction:
South Africa should start as slight favourites. The Springbok Women have shown steady improvement throughout the year, particularly with their physicality and setpiece, and the experience gained against the USA should serve them well.
Fiji will be buoyed by home support and possess the flair and offloading game capable of troubling any side if given quick ball and momentum. However, if the Springbok Women can dominate the collisions, maintain discipline and control territory, they should edge what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter.
Rugby365: Springbok Women by seven points.
Teams:
Fiji: 15 Litiana Vueti, 14 Adi Vanie Buleki, 13 Merewairita Neivoha, 12 Ruth Raketekete, 11 Repeka Tove, 10 Varanisese Qoro, 9 Kolora Lomani (Captain), 8 Alfreda Fisher, 7 Adi Salaseini Railumu, 6 Nunia Daunimoala, 5 Karavaki Lutumaibau, 4 Mereoni Nakesa, 3 Tiana Robanakadavu, 2 Bitila Tawake, 1 Karalaini Naisewa.
Replacements: 16 Selai Naliva, 17 Elesi Saukuru, 18 Keri Lawavou, 19 Vilisi Tivalele, 20 Jade Coates, 21 Evivi Senikarivi, 22 Ivamere Nabura, 23 Aqela Raitubu.
South Africa: 15 Byrhandré Dolf, 14 Maceala Samboya, 13 Zintle Mpupha, 12 Shiniqwa Lamprecht, 11 Patience Mokone, 10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg (captain), 9 Anacadia Minnaar, 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Lerato Makua, 6 Sizophila Solontsi, 5 Nomsa Mokwai, 4 Vainah Ubisi, 3 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 2 Lindelwa Gwala, 1 Xoliswa Khuzwayo
Replacements: 16 Anushka Groenewald, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Thandile Mazwi, 19 Catha Jacobs, 20 Sinelitha Noxeke, 21 Nobuhle Mjwara, 22 Felicia Jacobs, 23 Alichia Arries.
Date: Saturday, August 8
Venue: HFC Bank Stadium, Suva
Kick-off: 14.00 (04.00 SA Time; 02.00 GMT)
Referee: Jess Ling (RA)
Assistant Referees: Amber McLachlan (RA) & Erin Doherty (NZR)
TMO: Graham Cooper (RA)
