South Africa Women v USA Women – Teams and Prediction

PREVIEW: This Saturday promises to be one for the history books as the Springbok Women take on the USA Eagles at Ellis Park.

The fixture forms part of a blockbuster double-header, which include the Nations Championship opener between the Springboks and England.

It is a landmark occasion for women’s rugby in South Africa, with the Springbok Women hosting the USA Eagles on home soil for the first time.

The last time the two sides met was in March 2024 in London, where the USA claimed a 38-17 victory.

A lot has changed since then.

The Springbok Women have a new head coach in Swys de Bruin, a new captain in Babalwa Latsha and have developed into one of the fastest-improving teams in the women’s game.

A memorable 59-17 victory over a star-studded Barbarians side in 2024, coupled with a breakthrough Rugby World Cup campaign that saw them reach the quarterfinals for the first time, has cemented their status as one of the emerging forces in world rugby.

They are now ranked No. 10 in the world – their highest position since 2011.

However, the challenge awaiting them this weekend is a formidable one.

The USA are ranked eighth in the world and arrive in Johannesburg on the back of an impressive Pacific Four Series campaign, highlighted by a victory over Australia.

Packed with experienced internationals, the Eagles remain one of the traditional powerhouses of the women’s game.

“They [USA] won the World Cup in 1991. Traditionally, they’ve played rugby much longer than us. But I’ll tell you one thing – those are the challenges we want now. That’s exactly what we want. Strength versus strength,” De Bruin told reporters in Johannesburg.

“And these girls are ready. In fact, they’re ready for any team, if I look at them and listen to them.”

De Bruin believes his side’s defensive structure, particularly out wide, will be crucial against the Eagles.

“They play a complete game and can keep the ball brilliantly,” De Bruin said.

“They’ve got a lot of players applying their trade in Europe, so they’ve got that sort of influence as well. They do certain things very well, like how they stay connected on defence and how they apply pressure.

“So you can see there’s a definite way they play, and we’ll have to be on top of our defence.

“That’s one thing they can do. If they take you wide, wide, you can be exposed.

“But we’re aware of that, or we’re trying to be aware.”

The Eagles will be looking to recreate the winning feeling from their previous meeting and add a memorable result to their Independence Day weekend by upsetting the 10th-ranked Springbok Women on home soil.

“South Africa Women’s Rugby is one of the most talked-about teams in World Rugby because of their performances at the recent Rugby World Cup and their clear desire to become a top nation,” USA head coach Jack Hanratty said.

“To compete in a Test series in South Africa is one of the most challenging places to tour, and we want to hold ourselves to a high standard and raise our game from our PAC4 experiences.”

Players to watch

For South Africa: There is a surprise in the midfield, with regular wing Ayanda Malinga shifting to outside centre. A constant threat with ball in hand, Malinga has also shown during the HSBC SVNS that she has developed an excellent ability to read the defence, making her a genuine two-way threat. Bulls Daisies star Jakkie Cilliers starts on the wing and adds another dimension to the Bok Women’s attack. Not only is she a dangerous finisher, but her reliable boot gives South Africa an extra kicking option, while she remains lethal from the tee. One of the standout performers during the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup, Logan Welman has big shoes to fill in the absence of Aseza Hele. The former Junior Springbok Women representative enjoyed an impressive start to her Test career in Kenya in May, scoring three tries in as many Tests as the Bok Women defended their continental title. She looks every bit a player destined for a long international career.

For USA: Captain Kate Zackary will earn her 50th Test cap for the Eagles and brings her trademark work rate and breakdown expertise. Her battle with the Springbok loose forwards could prove decisive in determining which side gains the upper hand. At the back, Alev Kelter remains one of the USA’s biggest attacking threats. Dangerous with ball in hand and dependable from the kicking tee, she has the ability to change a game in an instant. Flyhalf Bella Vogel will be tasked with pulling the strings for the Eagles. The young playmaker’s kicking game, game management and decision-making will be crucial as the USA look to control territory and unleash their dangerous backline.

Prediction: 

Rugby365: Springbok Women by 7 points

Teams: 

South Africa Women: 15 Byrhandré Dolf, 14 Jakkie Cilliers, 13 Ayanda Malinga, 12 Aphiwe Ngwevu, 11 Alichia Arries, 10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg, 9 Unam Tose, 8 Logan Welman, 7 Catha Jacobs, 6 Sizophila Solontsi, 5 Danelle Lochner, 4 Vainah Ubisi, 3 Babalwa Latsha, 2 Micke Gunter, 1 Sanelisiwe Charlie
Replacements: 16 Anushka Groenewald, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Thandile Mazwi, 19 Anathi Qolo, 20 Sinelitha Noxeke, 21 Faith Tshauke, 22 Felicia Jacobs, 23 Eloise Webb

USA: 15 Alev Kelter, 14 Bulou Mataitoga, 13 Telesi Uhatafe, 12 Katana Howard, 11 Ashley Cowdrey, 10 Bella Vogel, 9 Cass Bargell, 8 Freda Tafuna, 7Georgie Perris-Redding (Captain), 6 Kate Zackary, 5 Hallie Taufoou, 4 Rachel Ehrecke, 3 Reece Woods, 2 Kathryn Treder, 1 Hope Rogers.
Replacements: 16 Paige Stathopoulo, 17 Alivia Leatherman, 18 Elizabeth Cook, 19 Kapoina Bailey, 20 Tessa Hann, 21 Hann Humphreys, 22 Olivia Ortiz, 23 Kristin Bitter

Date: Saturday, July 4
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 13.30 SAST (07.30 EDT; 11.30 GMT)
Referee: Zoe Naude (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Giana Viljoen (South Africa), Angie Bezuidenhout (South Africa)
TMO: Quinton Immelman (South Africa)