SA women's eyes fixed on the 'ultimate prize'

SPOTLIGHT: The South African women’s assistant coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt said the squad achieved good results at the end of the first week of their training camp in Cape Town.

They will regroup at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport over the weekend for another week of high intensity training and preparation.

Several new players were invited to bolster the depth amongst the forwards and Johannes-Haupt said that delivered positive results.

“We have been tracking these players for a while now and it was good to have them in camp and to expose them to our environment, and I think it is fair to say that they adapted well,’ said Johannes-Haupt.

“There are a number of props involved as well, and I was smiling all week long as they gained valuable experience from our experienced pack of forwards.”

Johannes-Haupt said the end goal in Stellenbosch will remain the Rugby World Cup and the home Tests against Canada and the Black Ferns XV, but there will also be a stronger focus on the players expected to be included in the squad that will travel to Madagascar next month, where they will face Uganda, Kenya and Madagascar in the Africa Women’s Cup.

The Bok Women coaches will also welcome back seven players who did duty in Los Angeles last weekend, but sadly Alicia Willemse and Rights Mkhari sustained injuries at the tournament, and they have been ruled out of the camp and Africa Cup selection.

They will be replaced by the uncapped Western Province scrumhalf Insaaf Levy and Boland loose forward Nompumelelo Mathe, who has 20 Test caps to her name.

Johannes-Haupt said the return of the group of sevens players will bolster the squad’s energy and enthusiasm.

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Solid #TuesdayTraining day for #WomenBoks@FNBSA pic.twitter.com/zOH9rczB6b

— SA Women’s Rugby (@WomenBoks) May 6, 2025

“New players always bring a vibe with them and all those players were part of the squad in the past, so they will slot right in, I believe,” the assistant coach said.

“It will be a good week and although we will tilt towards the Africa Cup at this camp, the reality of the World Cup remains strong, especially as the 100 days to go countdown is next week.

“The players are very much aware that that remains the ultimate prize and I expect another week of good effort from the players.”

South African Women’s training squad

Forwards: Xoliswa Khuzwayo (Golden Lions), Sinothile Bhengu, Amanda Ndlovu, Nobuhle Mjwara (all Sharks), Anuchka Ekron, Luchell Hanekom, Roseline Botes, Anushka Groenewald, Azisa Mkiva, Nolusindiso Booi, Nomsa Mokwai, Bronishia Hess (all Western Province), Nombuyekezo Mdliki (Border), Sanelisiwe Charlie, Dineo Ndlhovu, Anathi Qolo, Sizophila Solontsi, Faith Tshauke, Lerato Makua (Bulls), Babalwa Latsha, Danelle Lochner (both Harlequins), Lindelwa Gwala (Ealing Trailfinders), Catha Jacobs (Leicester Tigers), Aseza Hele, Nompumelelo Mathe (both Boland).

Backs: Tayla Kinsey, Mary Zulu (both Sharks), Nadine Roos, Anja le Roux, Simamkele Namba (all Springbok Women’s Sevens), Aphiwe Ngwevu, Eloise Webb (both Border), Unam Tose, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Chumisa Qawe, Chuma Qawe, Jakkie Cilliers, Byrhandre Dolf, Patience Mokone, Ayanda Malinga, Zintle Mpupha, (all Bulls), Maceala Samboya, Felicia Jacobs (both Boland), Insaaf Levy, Leigh Fortuin (both Western Province).