By CAPE TOWN — The Springbok Women enter a defining new chapter at Athlone Stadium this Saturday, stepping out for the first of two WXV Global Series Tests against Ireland with a revamped starting XV, fresh leadership, and a historic milestone waiting on the bench.
Following an impressive victory over Spain earlier this month, co-head coach Franzel September and his management team have been forced into strategic and injury-enforced tweaks. Most notably, veteran prop Yonela Ngxingolo is poised to etch her name into the national annals, running out to earn her milestone 50th Test cap.
Depth Tested and Leadership Shift
With regular captain and influential tighthead Babalwa Latsha sidelined due to injury alongside fellow prop Nombuyekezo Mdliki, the Springbok Women’s long-term strategy of building squad depth ahead of the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup is facing an early baptism of fire.
Stepping into the leadership breach is dynamic loose forward Sizophila Solontsi, who assumes the captaincy for Saturday’s clash. Meanwhile, the front row takes on a completely different complexion. Sanelisiwe Charlie returns to reclaim the loosehead No 1 jersey after being rested during the triumph in Seville.
On the other side of the scrum, Xoliswa Khuzwayo shifts from loosehead to wear the No 3 tighthead jersey.
“Tighthead is an important position in any team, even more so in our squad where we rate our scrums as a factor in any match, so having depth there worked out nicely for us,” said September. “We could call on Thandile [Mazwi] with great confidence as she played for us already this year and did well, the same as Xoliswa, who has been in the squad all season.”
The only other change to the starting lineup sees Maria Tshiremba replace Patience Mokone on the left wing, injecting further pace into an exciting backline orchestrated by halfbacks Unam Tose and Byrhandré Dolf.
A Landmark Half-Century for Ngxingolo
All eyes will also be fixed on the replacements bench, where stalwart prop Yonela Ngxingolo stands on the threshold of history. When she takes the field, she will become only the second South African woman to reach the magic mark of 50 Test caps, following in the illustrious footsteps of Nolusindiso Booi.
“As a squad we are also extremely pleased for Yonela and her family and happy that she could share this milestone in front of what we hope to be a good crowd at Athlone Stadium,” September noted. “She has been around since 2018 and in recent seasons, she became a very strong bench player for us, something she will do again this weekend.”
Ngxingolo will be joined among the impact players by Thandile Mazwi and returning utility back Anacadia Minnaar. September has opted for a flexible bench structure, highlighted by the hybrid utility role of Aphiwe Ngwevu, who can seamlessly shift between the backline and the loose forwards.
Uncharted Territory Against Ireland
Saturday afternoon’s encounter marks the first time the Springbok Women will lock horns with Ireland since 2006. Though they represent a fresh challenge on the field, September’s analysis team has closely monitored their trajectory through various international competitions.
“They are well coached and well drilled and will certainly be a tough opponent,” September warned. “I think the team that handles the soft moments in the game best, will be successful.”
Kick-off at Athlone Stadium is scheduled for 15h00, with tickets available via Ticketmaster.
Springbok Women Matchday XV:
Forwards: 1 Sanelisiwe Charlie, 2 Anushka Groenewald, 3 Xoliswa Khuzwayo, 4 Vainah Ubisi, 5 Catha Jacobs, 6 Sizophila Solontsi (capt), 7 Lerato Makua, 8 Aseza Hele.
Backs: 9 Unam Tose, 10 Byrhandré Dolf, 11 Maria Tshiremba, 12 Shiniqwa Lamprecht, 13 Maceala Samboya, 14 Alichia Arries, 15 Jakkie Cilliers.
Replacements: 16 Lindelwa Gwala, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Thandile Mazwi, 19 Danelle Lochner, 20 Logan Welman, 21 Aphiwe Ngwevu, 22 Anacadia Minnaar, 23 Mary Zulu.
