Swys tweaks Bok Women squad after Hess injury
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Lusanda Dumke, a former SA Women’s Player of the Year, has been included in the Springbok Women’s squad of 30 players for WXV 2, while Maria Tshiremba has also been included in the group.
The tournament is set to be played in Cape Town from September 27 to October 13.
Springbok Women performance coach Swys de Bruin decided to rope in Tshiremba, who has played at international level before, for the Springbok Women’s Sevens team. The Bulls Daisies speedster is the only uncapped player in the squad.
Neither were involved in Thursday’s 36-19 victory over Spain at the Cape Town Stadium, the same venue where South Africa will face Japan on Friday in their WXV 2 opener.
Dumke has recovered from a foot injury sustained in the Women’s Premier Division final, where she captained the Bulls Daisies to a second title in as many years, while Tshiremba’s inclusion comes after Shaunique Hess (wing) suffered a hand fracture against Spain, ruling her out of the tournament.
“It is great to have Lusanda fit and ready to go,” said De Bruin.
“She has massive experience and brings not only a wonderful breakdown ability to the squad but strong leadership as well.
“It was unfortunate for Shaunique to sustain the injury so close to WXV, but that opens the door for Maria, who really impressed me since she joined the squad almost five weeks ago and her sheer pace will be a factor.
“We were lucky to have a small group of standby players with us in Cape Town, so Maria could slot in the moment Shaunique’s injury was confirmed.
“I am pleased with the squad, I think we have a good mix of forward power and play-making ability amongst the backs to be very competitive when we face Japan, Australia and Italy in the coming weeks.”
OPINION: Libbie: ‘Now they know who we are’https://t.co/PYckxCNfff
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In total, 18 of the group were part of the inaugural event last year, where South Africa played Scotland, Italy and Samoa to finish in third position.
South Africa Women squad:
Backs: Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Byrhandrè Dolf, Maceala Samboya, Maria Tshiremba, Ayanda Malinga, Jakkie Cilliers, Zintle Mpupha, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Eloise Webb, Chumisa Qawe, Nadine Roos, Felicia Jacobs, Tayla Kinsey, Unam Tose.
Forwards: Aseza Hele, Sinazo Mcatshulwa, Sizophila Solontsi, Lusanda Dumke, Anathi Qolo, Catha Jacobs, Danelle Lochner, Vainah Ubisi, Nolusindiso Booi (captain), Azisa Mkiva, Babalwa Latsha, Sanelisiwe Charlie, Yonela Ngxingolo,
Lindelwa Gwala, Roseline Botes, Micke Gunter.
