Revamped South African back line ready for WXV opener against Wales

The Springbok Women kick off their WXV Global Series campaign against Wales at Cardiff Arms Park this Friday 18 September.

Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September, who were recently appointed as co-coaches, have revamped the backline and made one change to the pack that scored four tries against the Black Ferns in Johannesburg a couple of weeks ago.

The side will be captained by Babalwa Latsha, who her debut at Cardiff Arms Park in 2018, with Lindelwa Gwala and Sanelisiwe Charlie completing the front row.

Vice-captain Libbie Janse van Rensburg, who scored a try in the Springbok Women’s last appearance at the same venue in 2021 and could extend her Test points record (221) in this match, gets the nod at 10, and will be joined by Felicia Jacobs in the half-back partnership.

Maria Tshiremba, who scored a hat-trick on debut against Fiji last month, returns to the backs, with Maceala Samboya and Aphiwe Ngwevu partnering in the midfield.

In a change to the forward pack, Logan Welman will replace Aseza Hele at No 8, with Hele named on the bench.

The Boks have opted for a six-two split on the bench, with props Xoliswa Khuzwayo and Nombuyekezo Mdliki, and lock Nomsa Mokwai retained.

The backline positions will be covered by Jakkie Cilliers and Patience Mokone, whilst utility forward Sinelitha Noxeke has been added in the hopes of having a bomb squad impact.

Springbok Women co-coach, Franzel September, said they are keen to use the WXV Global Series to build squad depth and maximise starting opportunities for players who have been on the bench in recent Test matches.

He explained, “We are well underway towards the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup, not only in our planning, but also giving players experience at the highest level, something that this WXV Global Series will provide. This opening weekend is important for us, as we need to set the tone for the remaining two matches. So, we kept to what we know but also recognize that we need to expand our base.

“Yes, it will be huge in the set phases, as both of us are strong in that department. I am happy with our progress in that area of our game in the eight matches we have played this year, but we know Wales will ask different questions here in Cardiff. We prepared well and will be ready for the challenge.”

2026 WXV Global Series | South Africa match day 23 v Wales

15 Byrhandré Dolf (SA Rugby contracted) – 30 caps, 81 points (8 tries, 19 conversions, 1 penalty goal)
14 Maria Tshiremba (SA Rugby contracted) – 1 cap, 15 points (3 tries)
13 Maceala Samboya (Sanlam Boland Dames) – 11 caps, 25 points (5 tries)
12 Aphiwe Ngwevu (Border Ladies) – 36 caps, 85 points (17 tries)
11 Ayanda Malinga (SA Rugby contracted) – 20 caps, 85 points (17 tries)
10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg (SA Rugby contracted) – 35 caps, 221 points (14 tries, 56 conversions, 12 penalty goals, 1 drop goal)
9 Felicia Jacobs (Sanlam Boland Dames) – 13 caps, 15 points (3 tries)
8 Logan Welman (DHL Western Province) – 6 caps, 25 points (5 tries)
7 Catha Jacobs (Golden Lions Women) – 31 caps, 5 points (1 try)
6 Sizophila Solontsi (SA Rugby contracted) – 36 caps, 50 points (10 tries)
5 Danelle Lochner (Harlequins Women) – 25 caps, 10 points (2 tries)
4 Vainah Ubisi (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 27 caps, 45 points (9 tries)
3 Babalwa Latsha (captain, DHL Western Province) – 44 caps, 40 points (8 tries)
2 Lindelwa Gwala (Sharks Women) – 41 caps, 90 points (18 tries)
1 Sanelisiwe Charlie (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 33 caps, 10 points (2 tries)
Replacements:
16 Micke Gunter (Leicester Tigers) – 18 caps, 10 points (2 tries)
17 Xoliswa Khuzwayo (Golden Lions Women) – 14 caps, 10 points (2 tries)
18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki (Border Ladies) – 16 caps, 10 points (2 tries)
19 Nomsa Mokwai (DHL Western Province) – 20 caps, 0 points
20 Aseza Hele (Sanlam Boland Dames) – 35 caps, 85 points (17 tries)
21 Sinelitha Noxeke (Isuzu Bulls Daisies) – 9 caps, 5 points (1 try
22 Jakkie Cilliers (Rugby Club Toulon Provence Méditerranée) – 26 caps, 157 points (11 tries, 42 conversions, 6 penalty goals)
23 Patience Mokone (SA Rugby contracted) – 5 caps, 20 points (4 tries)