Springbok Women name three debutants for the Rugby Africa Women's Cup's Round 2

The Springbok Women have confirmed the squad that will play Uganda in the second round of the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup.

Led by assistant coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt in Nairobi, Kenya, the side are looking to retain their title for a fifth year in a row and have named three debutants to take on The Lady Cranes.

On Saturday, the Springbok Women began their Rugby Africa Women’s Cup campaign with a 64-5 win over Madagascar. The Boks scored 10 tries through 10 different try scorers.

Jackie Cilliers was the game’s top scorer with one try and seven conversions. Cilliers starts again at centre against Uganda and will partner Naima Hlatshwayo for her second cap.

Insaaf Levy and Thamie Yeko make their second Test appearances, while Shaunique Alexander will make her debut on the wing as the backline’s sole debutant.

In the pack, Zethu Gcaza makes her international debut and Anathi Qolo captains the team in the back-row. Abigail Smit will make her debut from the replacements.

“Shaunique is a dangerous runner with good speed and an awareness of the game, so we are all excited to see her go,” Laurian Johannes-Haupt, Springbok Women assistant coach, said.

“Abigail and Zethu are still Under-20, so for them to be playing at this level tells you a lot about their potential and where they can go. We are excited to see what they can bring to our system, and their selection is also a complement to our pathway structures.”

This weekend South Africa take on a Uganda team they have only ever played three times. Their last meeting came in Madagascar at last year’s Rugby Africa Women’s Cup, when the Springboks were 62-7 winners.

In their Rugby Africa Women’s Cup opener last week, Uganda lost 43-10 to Kenya.

“We had a good look at Uganda, and it is clear they are not the Uganda of old,” Johannes-Haupt said. “They are well coached and sharpened up their breakdown very well, not allowing their opponents to get in there.

“They are looking after their own ball well and on attack, and they do not mind kicking into open spaces to make their opponents turn around. For us, our own game plan remains the most important goal for this match, and we want to take another step forward in our journey for this year.”

Springbok Women match day squad v Uganda

15 Thamie Yeko
14 Alichia Arries
13 Jakkie Cilliers
12 Naima Hlatshwayo
11 Shaunique Alexander (uncapped)
10 Mary Zulu
9 Insaaf Levy
8 Logan Welman
7 Anathi Qolo (C)
6 Ntsako Mbombi
5 Nomsa Mokwai
4 Zethu Gcaza (uncapped)
3 Thandile Mazwi
2 Roseline Botes
1 Yonela Ngxingolo

Replacements

16 Anushka Groenewald
17 Xoliswa Khuzwayo
18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki
19 Abigail Smit (uncapped)
20 Nobuhle Mjwara
21 Faith Tshauke
22 Anacadia Minnaar
23 Chuma Qawe

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