RUGBY AFRICA: SA women taking a leaf out of Rassie's playbook

ROUND TWO: The South African national women’s coaches have named an unchanged starting team for the second round of the Africa Women’s Cup.

They meet Kenya at Stade Makis in Antananarivo on Wednesday.

The only change from the team that beat Uganda 62-7 in Round One is on the bench.

Nompumelelo Mathe will add impact as a loose forward, with wing Nomawethu Mabenge missing out as the coaches opted for a split of six forwards and two backs for this clash.

Mathe last featured for the Bok Women in last year’s tournament at the same venue, where she played in all three matches.

The vote of confidence in the side that scored 10 tries in their opening round victory will be a boost, with the extra player in the pack an indication that the team will not deviate from their forward-based game against Kenya, who opened their campaign with a good 28-5 win over Madagascar.

The Springbok Women squad, unlike in their opening match, have no uncapped players in their team and they should be better for it, given the nerves that would have impacted the eight players who ran out in the green and gold for the first time.

One of those, Patience Mokone, celebrated her Test debut with two well-taken tries and according to the Bulls Daisies wing, she will be happy to “get onto the next job”.

“It was a great feeling and an emotional one to walk onto the field, sing the national anthem and know that I am representing my country, but also my family on the international stage,” said Mokone.

“I was a bit nervous due to the occassion, but once I got settled in, it became just another match.”

The Kenyan challenge will be a serious one, but the Bok Women will be prepared, according to Mokone: “This is our next job and we want to get it done.

“For me personally, I have to focus on my role in the team and make sure I get that done.

“It is not about me on Wednesday, it is about my contribution to the team. I have always played rugby that way, so nothing has changed.”

Although they have a healthy rivalry with Kenya, it will not distract from their focus.

“Yes, we are playing to win and it has become about the best team on the continent, but that is not dictating our play,” she said.

“We have plans to execute and processes to follow on the field and we focus on that, not our opponents.”

Head-to-Head:
17/08/2019: SA won 39-0 (Brakpan)
12/08/2021: SA won 66-0 (Stellenbosch)
16/08/2021: SA won 29-22 (Stellenbosch)
24/05/2023: SA won 48-0 (Antananarivo)
16/09/2023: SA won 77-12 (Cape Town)
08/05/2024: SA won 63-5 (Antananarivo)

South Africa v Kenya
(Stade Makis, Antananarivo, Kick-off: 13.00; 12.00 SA time; 10.00 GMT)

Teams: 

South Africa: 15 Byrhandre Dolf, 14 Simamkele Namba, 13 Chuma Qawe, 12 Aphiwe Ngwevu, 11 Patience Mokone, 10 Mary Zulu, 9 Unam Tose, 8 Faith Tshauke, 7 Lerato Makua, 6 Anushka Groenewald, 5 Anathi Qolo (captain), 4 Nomsa Mokwai, 3 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 2 Luchell Hanekom, 1 Xoliswa Khuzwayo.
Replacements: 16 Roseline Botes, 17 Anuchka Ekron, 18 Sinothile Bhengu, 19 Dineo Ndlhovu, 20 Nobuhle Mjwara, 21 Nompumelelo Mathe, 22 Felicia Jacobs, 23 Leigh Fortuin.

Kenya squad: Naomi Muhanji, Noleen Khaleyi, Knight Otwoma, Mitchelle Akinyi, Melissa Amondi, Hesla Khisa, Enid Ouma, Diana Kemunto, Gladys Makhungu, Nelly Chikombe, Sheilla Chajira, Judith Auma, Winnie Owino, Christabel Lindo, Diana Awino, Ann Njeri, Esther Juma (Impala Roans). Sinaida Nyachio, Faith Livoi, Mitchelle Alivitsa, Edith Nariaka, Naomi Amuguni, Maureen Chebet, Linet Arasa, Naomi Jelagat, Jane Chanya, Natasha Emali, Claudia Muhavi, Yvonne Khatundu (Mwamba), Mary Khavere, Zainab Mohammed, Hellen Wanjiru, Doris Kimani, Zuhura Asman, Getrude Ambeyi, Friza Anyango, Angel Salamba, Moreen Muritu, Lovinah Mijere, Maxine Abuga (Kenya Harlequins), Carol Nyamwamu, Lewin Amazimbi, Yvette Okech, Sophie Nasimiyu, Agnes Mbone, Diana Mideva, Phoebe Akinyi, Mitchelle Chillande, Juliana Achieng, Mitchelle Atieno (Northern Suburbs), Charity Nillah, Jacinta Musakali, Sheila Wesa (NYS Spades), Lawnisky Minayo, Phaustine Imbakwa (Shamberere), Grace Adhiambo, Kerina Omala, Jemima Wambui, Freshia Awin (Nakuru RFC), Lucie Amudui (Rongo) and Janet Okelo (Unattached).

Madagascar vs Uganda
(Stade Makis, Antananarivo, Kick-off: 15.00; 12.00 GMT)

Teams: 

Madagascar: TBC

Uganda: 

Forwards: Doreen Mbabazi, Christine Kokoi, Jennifer Musabera, Phoebe Nakalembe, Doreen Sijali, Yvonne Najjuma, Phiona Nantogo, Hellen Acanit, Proscovia Mukyala, Peace Nemira, Cabrine Kirabo, Suzan Adong, Lydia Namabiro, Angella Nanyonjo.

Backs: Tina Akello, Sarah Nakafeero, Bushira Namutebi, Grace Nabaggala, Latifa Tiko, Mercy Atek, Comfort Angayika, Agnes Nakuya, Racheal Mufuwa, Christine Akello, Ayikoru Samiya, Juliet Nandawula, Janat Nandudu, Mastula Nambozo.