Springbok Women make flyhalf change for Ireland rematch
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Mary Zulu has been promoted to flyhalf for the Springbok Women’s final Test against Ireland on Saturday, with Byrhandré Dolf shifting to fullback as the co-coaches reshuffle their backline for the clash at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town.
The change is among several tweaks to the starting XV following last weekend’s 40-27 defeat to Ireland, while an injury to experienced prop Sanelisiwe Charlie has also forced a change in the front row.
Co-coaches Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September have reshuffled their starting XV for the second Test of the WXV Global Series after South Africa suffered a 40-27 defeat to Ireland last weekend.
Sanelisiwe Charlie sustained a serious knee injury during training this week. Yonela Ngxingolo, who earned her 50th cap off the bench in the previous Test, replaces her in the starting front row, with Anuschka Ekron named among the replacements.
Mary Zulu is promoted from the bench to start at flyhalf, with Byrhandré Dolf shifting to fullback. Jakkie Cilliers moves from fullback to right wing, while Alichia Arries switches to the left wing.
There are further changes among the forwards. Lindelwa Gwala starts at hooker, with Anushka Groenewald moving to the bench, while Danelle Lochner partners Vainah Ubisi at lock. Catha Jacobs shifts from lock to flanker, with Lerato Makua among the replacements. Nomsa Mokwai also comes onto the bench in place of Logan Welman.
Maria Tshiremba adds pace among the replacements, while Insaaf Levy is named as back-up scrumhalf to Unam Tose. Anacadia Minnaar misses out on the matchday 23.
Johannes-Haupt said the changes were part of the planned rotation rather than a shift in the team’s approach, with Charlie’s injury the only forced alteration.
“Apart from Sanelisiwe, who unfortunately injured her knee this week, no other changes were forced on us, and we could continue with our planned rotation for our final Test of the year,” she said. “We believe the changes will provide a better outcome against Ireland.”
The coach also welcomed the inclusion of Ekron and Levy, who began their international seasons at the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Kenya earlier this year.
“I am happy that they finally get a chance to play and the fact that both are local players is an added bonus,” Johannes-Haupt said, adding that both had been training with academy players in recent weeks and were ready for the opportunity.
Despite last weekend’s defeat, the Springbok Women are determined to finish their season on a high against one of the world’s top-five-ranked teams.
“We are not going to Athlone to lose on Saturday,” Johannes-Haupt said. “This is the perfect venue and occasion to finish off a good season for our squad. What better way to front a challenge from one of the top five ranked teams in the world with a performance that will do justice to our year and reward one of the most passionate crowds in the women’s game.”
Springbok Women: 15 Byrhandré Dolf, 14 Jakkie Cilliers, 13 Maceala Samboya, 12 Shiniqwa Lamprecht, 11 Alichia Arries, 10 Mary Zulu , 9 Unam Tose, 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Catha Jacobs, 6 Sizophila Solontsi (captain), 5 Danelle Lochner, 4 Vainah Ubisi, 3 Xoliswa Khuzwayo, 2 Lindelwa Gwala, 1 Yonela Ngxingolo
Replacements: 16 Anushka Groenewald, 17 Anuschka Ekron, 18 Thandile Mazwi, 9 Nomsa Mokwai, 20 Aphiwe Ngwevu, 21 Lerato Makua, 22 Insaaf Levy, 23 Maria Tshiremba
Date: Saturday, October 31
Venue: Athlone Stadium, Cape Town
Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00 GMT)
Referee: Jess Ling (Australia)
Assistant Referees: Precious Pazani (Zimbabwe), Giana Viljoen (South Africa)
TMO: Matteo Liperini (France)
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