Who will make De Bruin's World Cup squad?
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok Women’s performance coach Swys de Bruin is set to name his World Cup squad on Saturday, August 9, as South Africa aims to book a historic first-ever quarterfinal spot.
Ahead of the announcement, we take a look at the likely contenders set to make the cut for the 2025 World Cup in England.
Front Rows
The core group of front row players is set to feature in back-to-back World Cups.
Sanelisiwe Charlie, Babalwa Latsha, Yonela Ngxingolo, and Azisa Mkiva all played in the 2021 World Cup (held in 2022 in New Zealand due to COVID-19).
Nombuyekezo Mdliki is another prop who has been tested during the series against the Black Ferns XV.
In the hoooker department, Leicester-bound Micke Gunter and Lindelwa Gwala seem to be the two certainties for the tournament.
Both featured in the previous tournament.
The third hooker spot is likely between Roseline Botes and her Western Province teammate Luchell Hanekom, with De Bruin tipped to go with the in-form Hanekom.
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Second Rows
When it comes to locks, De Bruin prefers to favour form over experience.
Danelle Lochner, Vainah Ubisi, and Anathi Qolo are expected to make the cut.
Lochner has made a name for herself at Harlequins, while Ubisi continues to shine for the Bulls Daisies.
The pair were outstanding in their recent start against the Black Ferns XV in Cape Town.
Qolo, who captained the Springbok Women to a fourth Africa Cup title, brings physicality and leadership.
This will be their first appearance at the World Cup.
Veteran captain Nolusindiso Booi adds vital experience. She is set to feature in her fourth World Cup, and while there have been fitness concerns, De Bruin confirmed she is expected to be ready. Her leadership remains crucial.
Loose Forwards
Aseza Hele will make the squad. The dynamic No. 8 has been a standout for both the Springboks and Boland.
Sinazo Mcatshulwa is another key figure who is expected to appear in her second World Cup.
Faith Tshauke and Lerato Makua are likely to complete the loose forward selection.
Utility forward Catha Jacobs, who played at lock at the previous World Cup, will likely serve as a versatile option across the pack.
Scrumhalves
This is where it gets tricky for management.
Nadine Roos is a definite inclusion. Her presence at No. 9 brings creativity and fluidity to the Bok attack.
The Sharks stalwart Tayla Kinsey and Unam Tose are the other options. Both have played in previous World Cups and have heaps of experience.
Flyhalves
Libbie Janse van Rensburg is the preferred No. 10 and is set to feature in back-to-back World Cups.
With Zenay Jordaan having retired and now involved in coaching, Mary Zulu is expected to serve as Janse van Rensburg’s backup. Zulu impressed during the Rugby Africa Cup.
Centres
Continuity is expected in the midfield.
The three centres who featured in 2022 are likely to represent the Springbok Women again at the 2025 World Cup.
Zintle Mpupha, Aphiwe Ngwevu, and Chumisa Qawe have all been key figures in the squad leading up to the tournament.
Eloise Webb, who played at flyhalf for the first time against Canada, will be part of the midfield group.
Outside Backs
With Webb in midfield, Jakkie Cilliers will likely take a spot on the wing.
The Bulls Daisies back has played right wing for the Springboks in recent outings and also has a formidable boot, adding to the Boks’ kicking prowess.
Sevens star Ayanda Malinga is in line for her first World Cup after displaying blistering pace and strong finishing ability.
Boland wing Maceala Samboya has also featured against the Black Ferns XV and looks likely to make the final squad.
Fullback
As with the scrumhalf and flyhalf positions, the fullback role has been tricky for the Boks.
Libbie Janse van Rensburg and Nadine Roos are both capable of covering fullback. But it looks like Byrhandre Dolf has made the spot her own.
Dolf was outstanding in the recent clash against the Black Ferns XV.
Her work rate, positional play, and kicking game add valuable structure to the Springbok back three.
Dolf also gives De Bruin another kicking option.
Coach Swys de Bruin will officially name his 2025 World Cup squad on Saturday, August 9, ahead of the team’s farewell event on August 13.
