Brazil wish for 'intensity' ahead of first South Africa 'A' clash in São Paulo

South Africa Women ‘A’ and Brazil’s Yaras have named their match day squads for Monday night’s clash between the two teams.

After their evening time clash São Paulo to start the week, the two teams will meet one another again on Saturday.

South Africa will be captained by fly-half Mary Zulu, who is one of two members of squad that reached last year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 quarter-final in England. Luchell Hanekom, who is the other player, starts at hooker.

It is a young Sough Africa ‘A’ squad named for Monday night’s clash, with two 19-year-olds named and eight 20-year-olds.

Zulu said: “We want to show that we are part of the future of the Springbok Women set-up and for that, we need to deliver results and show why we were selected in the first place.

“The coaches made us aware of the calibre of the opponents, and we have taken that to heart. We will be ready to make sure we bring our best effort.”

Brazil most recently contended with the USA Falcons, who they beat 14-12 earlier this month. Recently-appointed head coach, Guilherme Coghetto, has named two-time Olympian and standout performer at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, Luiza Campos, as his captain for Monday’s encounter in São Paulo.

These two fixtures are As Yaras’ last fixtures before their WXV Global Series Challenger fixtures against Hong Kong China, the Netherlands and Spain.

Coghetto said: “I hope our team continues its upward trajectory and solidifies its strong performance against the United States. We aren’t going to introduce anything new, as now is the time to consolidate the team.

“We want to increase our defensive pressure and maintain a dynamic offence. Intensity is the focus of our training sessions. There are details to be fine-tuned with an eye on the WXV. But for now, the focus is on getting the team ready for September.”

South Africa Women ‘A’ match day squad v Brazil

15 Hayley Hardneck, 14 Thobile Msizazwe, 13 Shaunique Alexander, 12 Lilitha Vakalisa, 11 Litalethu Nombakuse, 10 Mary Zulu (c), 9 Insaaf Levy; 1 Anuschka Ekron, 2 Luchell Hanekom, 3 Sinothile Bhengu, 4 Zethu Gcaza, 5 Abigail Smit, 6 Yonelisa Plaatjies, 7 Avela Gwala, 8 Emihle Mayitshe

Replacements

16 Karabo Lebotsa, 17 Iviwe Jonas, 18 Anothando Khatshwa, 19 Kaylee Daniels, 20 Courtney Hickson, 21 Carmelita Malone, 22 Isabella Nel, 23 Anitha Fazi, 24 Jada Davids, 25 Vanessa Gabadi, 26 Yonda Nokwe

Brazil match day squad v South Africa Women ‘A’

15 Lohana Valente, 14 Giovanna Barth, 13 Carolyne Katrine Pereira, 12 Rafaela Zanellato, 11 Thalita Costa, 10 Gisele Gomes, 9 Luiza Campos (c); 1 Samara Vergara, 2 Julia Leni, 3 Giovana Mamede, 4 Eshyllen Coimbra, 5 Marcelle Souza, 6 Larissa Carvalho, 7 Marina Fioravanti, 8 Mariana Moreira

Replacements

16 Patricia Lima, 17 Juliana Silva, 19 Alessandra Costa, 20 Milena Mariano, 21 Dayana Dakar, 22 Fernanda Tenório, 23 Raquel Kochhann, 24 Mariana Nicolau, 25 Andressa Alves