Janse van Rensburg given captaincy ahead of Bok Women's clash with Fiji

Libbie Janse van Rensburg will captain South Africa ahead of their second-ever encounter with Fiji this weekend in Suva.

The 31-year-old will become just the 12th player to captain the Springbok Women since their Test debut in 2004 and is the only backline player retained from their last game against the USA Women’s Eagles in mid-July.

In the pack, only Vainah Ubisi and Sizophila Solontsi have retained their starting places from the clash at Loftus Versfeld. Aseza Hele and Lindelwa Gwala will both play for South Africa for the first time since Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.

Shiniqwa Lamprecht will make her senior international debut in the centre, where she will partner Springbok Women’s Sevens regular Zintle Mpupha. Patience Mokone starts on the wing.

Laurian Johannes-Haupt, Springbok Women assistant coach, said: “The personnel are a bit different, but the mindset remains the same and I expect a solid effort from all those selected. We had some good sessions since we arrived here, and we are looking forward the challenge from Fiji.

“We all know what a charged-up Blommie [Hele] can do and I think we are going to see some very physical play from her, while Lindelwa’s strong basics will also be important in our set piece, as it’s an area where we look to stamp our authority.

“Babalwa was not considered for this match as she is in the final days of a recovery plan, but we have full faith in Libbie, who as vice-captain was part of the leadership and decision-making anyway.

“She has the backing of a strong group of leaders in the squad, while at fly-half, she is used to calling the plays and running the game anyway.”

Prior to their two-Test tour of Fiji, South Africa hosted the USA Women’s Eagles in two fixtures and drew with their North American counterparts after 160 minutes of rugby.

Springbok Women match day 23 v Fiji

15 Byrhandré Dolf (Isuzu Bulls Daisies)
14 Maceala Samboya (Sanlam Boland Dames)
13 Zintle Mpupha (Isuzu Bulls Daisies)
12 Shiniqwa Lamprecht (Sanlam Boland Dames) – uncapped
11 Patience Mokone (Isuzu Bulls Daisies)
10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg (captain, Isuzu Bulls Daisies)
9 Anacadia Minnaar (EP Queens)
1 Xoliswa Khuzwayo (Golden Lions Women)
2 Lindelwa Gwala (Sharks Women)
3 Nombuyekezo Mdliki (Border Ladies)
4 Vainah Ubisi (Isuzu Bulls Daisies)
5 Nomsa Mokwai (DHL Western Province)
6 Sizophila Solontsi (Isuzu Bulls Daisies)
7 Lerato Makua (Isuzu Bulls Daisies)
8 Aseza Hele (Sanlam Boland Dames)

Replacements
16 Anushka Groenewald (DHL Western Province)
17 Yonela Ngxingolo (Isuzu Bulls Daisies)
18 Thandile Mazwi (DHL Western Province)
19 Catha Jacobs (Golden Lions Women)
20 Sinelitha Noxeke (Isuzu Bulls Daisies)
21 Nobuhle Mjwara (Sharks Women)
22 Felicia Jacobs (Sanlam Boland Dames)
23 Alichia Arries (DHL Western Province)